The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group of “ethnic cleansing” in North Kivu’s Rutshuru and Masisi territories. The rebel group, composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis, has intensified conflict in eastern Congo, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 7 million people. Congo also accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 militarily, a claim backed by US and UN experts but denied by Rwanda. Despite a US-Angola-brokered truce in July, clashes persist between M23 and local militias, with recent violence killing 16 villagers. The mineral-rich region remains plagued by unrest, as over 100 armed groups vie for control.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 21, 2024 09:07 UTC