28 Oct 2023 | 09:56 AM UTC
DRC: Heightened security likely to persist in North Kivu Province through at least late December amid resumption of clashes /update 10
Heightened security likely to persist through at least late December amid resumption of clashes in North Kivu Province, DRC.
Heightened security is likely to persist in the North Kivu Province through at least late December amid a resumption of violence in the Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Rutshuru territories surrounding Goma since early October. The East Africa Community Regional Force (EACRF) announced on Oct. 25 that the ceasefire between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the M23 rebels has been breached. Armed clashes involving the M23 rebels, militia groups supported by the FARDC, and international forces have been reported in recent days, notably around Kibumba, located about 20 km (13 miles) north of Goma, and also Bombo, and Bishusha, located further north. Fighting near Kibumba earlier this week has left at least one Kenyan soldier who was part of the EACRF killed. The UN said that at least 200,000 people have been forced to flee the region since clashes resumed in early October.
Further violence may involve M23 rebels, FARDC, regional forces, and other armed groups in the region. Officials could implement movement-restrictive measures in response to developments. Locals may stage further protests in the region, including Goma, to denounce the perceived inaction of security forces. These demonstrations are frequent as locals and DRC officials are purportedly highly critical of the United Nations Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) and the EACRF.
Consider deferring nonessential travel to conflict-affected areas in eastern DRC until the situation stabilizes. Consult local security partners on the viability of traveling in the region. Reconfirm the status of roads and border crossings before departure. Travel in convoy and during daylight hours only. Adhere to directives issued by local authorities. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.
The M23 is seeking to pressure the government to honor a peace agreement signed in 2013, which allows the reintegration of the armed forces into society, among other issues. The M23 has repeatedly asked for direct dialogue with DRC authorities, which have so far refused, making a conflict resolution difficult in the near term. Since November 2021, the M23 rebel group has increased attacks targeting armed forces in the eastern DRC, particularly across Rutshuru Territory, and began marching toward Goma.
The East Africa Community (EAC) leaders agreed in late 2022 to deploy a military force in eastern DRC: the EACRF. The force mandate remains active through Dec. 8. Rebels have since withdrawn from several areas and handed them over to the EACRF. DRC officials have, however, accused the force of inactivity and convenience with the M23. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) also agreed in early May to deploy armed forces in the region; further details regarding the timeline or the number of troops and their mandate compared to the EACRF force are unavailable.
Since the M23 resurgence, tensions have significantly increased between Rwanda and the DRC. DRC officials have accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels. Several cross-border incidents involving DRC and Rwanda occurred, including an exchange of fire between Congolese and Rwandan security forces at the Petite Barriere border crossing between Goma (DRC) and Gisenyi (Rwanda) in June 2022.
