The M23 rebel group intensified its offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday, pushing closer to the territorial capital of Walikale, according to local media reports.
Southern African leaders gathered virtually on Thursday to address the intensifying conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on both the deteriorating security situation and the performance of the SADC mission in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a $5 million reward for the capture of three leaders of the Congo River Alliance, including M23 commanders, as the government intensifies its efforts to combat the Rwandan-backed rebels seizing large portions of eastern DR Congo.
Germany announced on Tuesday that it is stopping new development aid to Rwanda and reviewing its existing commitments, citing concerns over Rwanda’s role in the conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
As Rwanda-backed M23 rebels make significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, the U.N. Security Council has met in an urgent session, warning of the risk of a wider regional war.
Bukavu remained calm after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, moved into the eastern Congolese city with little resistance from government forces. The situation has raised fears of a wider regional conflict and potential impacts on DR Congo's vital mineral exports.
Seventy bodies were discovered beheaded and bound in a church in an abandoned village in eastern DR Congo, believed to be victims of the violent Allied Defence Forces (ADF) rebels.
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This marks a significant advance in their ongoing conflict with government forces in the region.
Continued violence in Democratic Republic of Congo has displaced more than 110,000 people in Goma. It's after the M23 rebels took control of the capital city. This, along with the halt of U.S. funding, has disrupted relief efforts.
Heavy clashes between Congolese forces and M23 rebels continue in eastern Congo, despite a ceasefire announced earlier this week. The UN warns of a worsening humanitarian crisis as thousands are displaced and key areas fall under rebel control.
The Rwanda-backed rebels who seized the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have declared a unilateral ceasefire starting on Tuesday.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has pledged a strong military response to M23 rebels, accusing Rwanda of backing them and condemning global inaction. He called for national resilience and a humanitarian plan for the displaced.
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