The latest round of fighting comes as the 100 million-person nation prepares for an election later this month and President Felix Tshisekedi asks voters for another term.
GOMA, Congo (AP) — Armed rebels seized a town in eastern Congo on Thursday after violently clashing with the army, which has taken on an expanded role
Lt. Col. Njike Kaiko Guillaume confirmed that the army had used its air forces to attack rebels before they were able to infiltrate Mushaki.
“We are in the process of containing them in the hills,” he said. “Strategies being put in place are designed to prevent collateral damage to our population.”
M23’s offensive comes during ongoing fighting that has caused further displacement since a cease-fire broke down in November 2022. Peace efforts appear to have stalled. The new round of fighting also comes amid questions about the region’s long-term stability as Congolese leaders in Kinshasa push regional and international peacekeeping forces to withdraw. A regional force of officers from East African countries began leaving Goma — the capital of North Kivu — on Sunday.
As fighting has intensified this week, the head of the United Nations’ peacekeeping mission amplified concerns and pledged to stand by the army. Bintou Keita said peacekeepers will do the “utmost to ensure the protection of civilians.”
Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrio’s newsletter.
The post After peacekeepers leave, rebels in Congo take key outpost appeared first on TheGrio.
