Fighting resumed between M23 rebels and Democratic Republic of Congo forces near Goma on Friday, breaking a ceasefire that was agreed last month under regional mediation.
Local sources reported heavy shelling in the Masisi territory, 40km north of Goma. Thousands of residents have fled toward Goma and displacement camps, according to UN OCHA.
The DRC government accused Rwanda of backing M23 fighters. Rwanda has repeatedly denied direct involvement but says it is acting in self-defence against Hutu militias in eastern Congo.
The resurgence threatens stability in North Kivu, a mineral-rich region that supplies most of the world’s cobalt. Humanitarian agencies warn food and medical supplies in Goma are running low as access routes are cut.
Regional leaders from the East African Community are expected to meet in Nairobi next week to discuss de-escalation. No casualties have been confirmed by independent sources yet.
Email Us on editorial@nnafrica.com
