M23 captures Nzibira town in South Kivu province

Reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) say that the M23 rebels, who are said to be backed by Rwanda, have seized the important town of Nzibira in South Kivu province.

This comes after heavy fighting reportedly took place in Walungu territory between the rebels and the DR Congo army and allied groups.

Eyewitnesses said that the rebels first pelted government positions with grenades using armored vehicles before taking the town late on Sunday.

Residents living in the vicinity of the town fled when news spread that the rebels were approaching the town.

Radio Okapi, which is supported by the UN and operates in Congo, reports eyewitnesses reporting that fighting has been ongoing in several villages around the city, including Cisaza, Cibanda, Muyange, Karhuliza and Kalongo.

The fighting is the latest in a series of violations of the principles agreed upon by both sides, including a ceasefire, during Qatar-brokered talks in July. The principles also include a ban on new attacks or the annexation of other territories.

Radio Okapi also reports that in North Kivu province, the DR Congo army intensified its attacks yesterday, Sunday, when it fired artillery shells at several rebel positions in the Masisi and Walikale territories.

Nzibira is a military equipment depot where they prepare operations against armed groups.

The region is also rich in precious minerals such as gold and cassiterite.

Since the M23 resumed fighting in late 2021, it has captured large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.

The Kinshasa government, the UN and some Western countries say that Rwanda is holding the M23 back in power by providing it with thousands of troops and heavy equipment, a claim the Kigali government denies, saying only that it has taken measures to protect itself.

For its part, the Kigali government, the UN and some Western countries also say that the DRC government is supporting the FDLR group fighting the Rwandan government. Kinshasa denies this, saying that the government has no intention of supporting it, and even says that it is a pretext for Rwanda to invade Congolese territory.

Gaston RWAKA

Amahoronews