Similarly, a health facility in Minova reported around thirty cases, highlighting the widespread toll of the conflict on innocent lives.
Roots of the Conflict
The roots of the conflict can be traced back to late 2021 when Rutshuru and Masisi territories became battlegrounds between government troops and the M23 rebels, also known as the “March 23 Movement.”
The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim vehemently denied by Kigali.
These allegations have been backed by the United Nations, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics of the region.
Consequences Beyond the Conflict Zone
The consequences of the unrest extend beyond the immediate conflict zone, disrupting supply routes to Goma, a city home to over a million residents near the Rwandan border.
Goma’s proximity to the conflict zone makes it vulnerable, with past experiences of rebel occupation haunting its populace.
THOUSANDS FLEE M23 RESURGENCE IN GOMA
East DRC is witnessing a mass exodus, amid fears the M23 rebels will capture the region’s biggest city, Goma. In the last few days, thousands have abandoned their homes and fled, while rockets have been raining down on the city’s outskirts.… pic.twitter.com/BkqYHMRu01
— African Stream (@african_stream) February 8, 2024
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos and fear gripping the affected areas.
One resident, speaking anonymously to AFP News, described the situation as a stampede, with people fleeing towards Goma to escape the relentless violence.
Local officials corroborate these reports, highlighting the intensification of clashes in the hills surrounding Sake and indicating the widening scope of the conflict.
The humanitarian fallout of the conflict is staggering, worsening an already dire situation in a region plagued by persistent violence and instability.
Displaced populations face heightened risks of exploitation, hunger, and disease, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
🇨🇩 Clashes between M23 rebels, army forces and self-defence groups that support them have escalated recently in the #DRCongo.
💢 The violence has prompted thousands of civilians to flee, as a fresh advance by M23 rebels is treating to isolate the city of #Goma 👇 pic.twitter.com/P9JyyvaYrD
— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) February 8, 2024
Efforts to broker peace and restore stability in eastern DR Congo have been elusive, with deep-rooted grievances and geopolitical rivalries fueling the cycle of violence.
The international community must intensify efforts to facilitate dialogue and address the underlying causes of conflict, including governance issues, resource exploitation, and ethnic tensions.
Without a sustainable resolution, the plight of civilians in Masisi territory and other conflict-affected regions will continue, perpetuating a cycle of suffering and despair.
Decisive action is needed now to prevent further escalation and humanitarian catastrophe in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
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