08 Feb 2024 | 12:01 PM UTC
DRC: Further clashes likely through at least late February amid renewed violence in North Kivu Province /update 13
Further clashes likely through late February amid resumption of fighting near Sake and Goma, North Kivu Province, DRC.
Armed clashes and increased military movement will likely persist in the North Kivu Province through at least late February amid renewed violence. In recent days, clashes involving the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and affiliated militias, international forces, and the M23 rebels have been reported, particularly around Sake, located about 25 km (15 miles) west of Goma, forcing thousands of civilians to flee towards Goma since Feb. 7.
Fighting has occurred along the Sake-Minova axis and near Kibumba, located about 20 km (12 miles) north of Goma, hindering road traffic along the Rutshuru-Goma axis. In addition, Congolese officials said that M23 rebels dropped two bombs, including one near Goma on Feb. 7 without casualties reported. Consequently, the supply of goods to Goma from the west and the north may be significantly disrupted in the coming days. Sake remains under the control of government forces as of Feb. 8.
Further clashes will likely concentrate in the Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Rutshuru territories. Officials could implement movement-restrictive measures in response to developments. Renewed fighting may cause disruptions on main axes and hinder goods transport. Locals may stage further protests in the region, including Goma, to denounce the perceived inaction of FARDC or foreign forces. These demonstrations have become increasingly frequent and have sometimes left several participants or security forces dead.
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.
Renewed clashes are taking place amid the deployment of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) military force. The force may include 7,000 personnel and assist the FARDC in combating armed groups, notably the M23. The SADC deployment follows the withdrawal of the East Africa Community (EAC) force deployed in late 2022 and the United Nations Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) deployed since 1999. DRC officials have accused these forces of inactivity and connivance with the M23.
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.
Since the M23 resurgence, tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have significantly increased. DRC officials have accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels. Several cross-border incidents involving DRC and Rwanda occurred, including minor exchanges of fire between DRC and Rwandan security forces at the border crossing between Goma (DRC) and Gisenyi (Rwanda).
