Sporadic gunfire and explosions have been reported as M23 rebels advance towards a key city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in an offensive that has forced thousands to flee across the border into Burundi. Residents and military sources said soldiers were fleeing the assault on Uvira, the last government-held city in the mineral-rich region. US President Donald Trump brokered a peace deal last week between DR Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's Paul Kagame to end the long-running conflict. Shops and schools have closed, with terrified residents staying indoors amid fears that rebels had taken control of some government buildings.
But South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi dismissed reports that the rebels were in the city as completely unfounded rumours. Residents said that the rebels were patrolling central Uvira under the cover of darkness while the city remained deserted.
According to local sources, military and security reports indicated that the rebel fighters advanced from the north, near the Burundian border. Despite government assurances, the situation is dire with experts warning of a possible massacre if resistance is mounted. A Burundian officer described it as chaotic, stating, It's every man for himself, reflecting the panic gripping the population.
The United Nations reported that more than 200,000 people have fled their homes in eastern DR Congo since the latest fighting began, with at least 74 casualties recorded, mostly civilians. The ongoing struggle for power and control in the region follows decades of conflict since the Rwandan genocide, with various armed groups vying for dominance amidst the territory's abundant resources.
As concerns over human rights violations grow, international bodies voice alarm over the potential destabilization of the entire region as fighting continues to disrupt lives and livelihoods.
But South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi dismissed reports that the rebels were in the city as completely unfounded rumours. Residents said that the rebels were patrolling central Uvira under the cover of darkness while the city remained deserted.
According to local sources, military and security reports indicated that the rebel fighters advanced from the north, near the Burundian border. Despite government assurances, the situation is dire with experts warning of a possible massacre if resistance is mounted. A Burundian officer described it as chaotic, stating, It's every man for himself, reflecting the panic gripping the population.
The United Nations reported that more than 200,000 people have fled their homes in eastern DR Congo since the latest fighting began, with at least 74 casualties recorded, mostly civilians. The ongoing struggle for power and control in the region follows decades of conflict since the Rwandan genocide, with various armed groups vying for dominance amidst the territory's abundant resources.
As concerns over human rights violations grow, international bodies voice alarm over the potential destabilization of the entire region as fighting continues to disrupt lives and livelihoods.
