Renewed Conflict in Eastern Congo

eastern congo - The conflict in eastern Congo has reignited after a period of relative calm, with reports of fighting near Bukavu.

Renewed Conflict in Eastern Congo

The conflict in the eastern part of Congo has escalated once again, with clashes reported northeast of Bukavu where fighters from the Rwandan-backed militia M23 have attacked government troops.

Government forces have reportedly sent reinforcements to the front, particularly to Kavumu where Bukavu's airport and a military base are located.

The M23 militia claims to represent members of the Tutsi ethnic group, with Rwanda's leader being a Tutsi. The movement has been active in the northeastern provinces of Congo for decades, known for their rich mineral resources. Last month, they captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, in fierce battles, resulting in an estimated 3000 deaths according to the UN.

Reports from local media indicate that fighters from an ethnic militia in the province of Ituri, further northeast, have carried out a massacre of civilians. In the town of Fataki, more than fifty civilians, including displaced children in a camp, were reportedly killed overnight from Monday to Tuesday.