Rebels Attack Key DR Congo City Despite Peace Deal

Sporadic gunfire and explosions are rocking the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as M23 rebels advance on Uvira, the last major government-held city in the mineral-rich region. The offensive has triggered a mass exodus, with thousands of Congolese fleeing across the border into Burundi.

Residents and military sources report soldiers abandoning their posts in the face of the rebel assault. Shops and schools have shuttered, and a palpable fear grips Uvira as residents seek shelter, fearing the rebels may have already seized control of key government buildings.

However, South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi has vehemently dismissed these claims, labelling reports of the rebels’ presence in Uvira as “completely unfounded rumours.” He insisted in an interview with UN-backed Radio Okapi that the city remains firmly under the control of government forces.

The situation on the ground remains chaotic. According to the BBC, Uvira is effectively in lockdown on Wednesday, with reports of ongoing gunfire just 27 km (17 miles) from Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura. “It’s chaotic, nobody’s in charge. Uvira is done for,” a Burundian officer told AFP news agency.

A local rights official, speaking to AP, warned of a potential massacre should the remaining soldiers mount a strong resistance. Residents paint a grim picture: “Three bombs have just exploded in the hills. It’s every man for himself,” one resident told AFP, while another added, “We are all under the beds in Uvira – that’s the reality.”

The advance comes despite a peace deal brokered last week by US President Donald Trump between DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, aimed at ending the long-running conflict. President Tshisekedi, in a national address on Monday, accused Rwanda of deliberately undermining the accord, stating, “This is a proxy war aimed at challenging our sovereignty over a highly strategic area, rich in critical minerals and economic potential that is crucial to the future of our nation.”

The US, European Union, and eight European nations have also accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 offensive, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a withdrawal of Rwandan forces. A US State Department spokesman stated that Rwanda continues to provide support to M23 and must prevent further escalation.

Rwanda, however, denies any involvement, instead accusing DR Congo and Burundi of ceasefire violations and alleging systematic bombing of villages near its border, forcing over 1,000 civilians to seek refuge within its territory.

The United Nations estimates that approximately 200,000 people have been displaced by the recent fighting in eastern DR Congo, with at least 74 confirmed deaths and 83 hospitalised with injuries. Burundi is experiencing a significant influx of refugees, with a Burundian administrative source reporting over 8,000 daily arrivals in the past two days, and 30,000 in the last week.

This latest offensive follows the M23 rebels’ capture of Goma and Bukavu nearly a year ago. While not party to the US-brokered peace deal, the M23 is currently engaged in separate talks with the DR Congo government, mediated by Qatar. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further regional destabilisation.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE