8 months ago
Over 400 Civilians Killed in Eastern Congo Fighting
There has been a lot of fighting in eastern Congo, where more than 400 people have been killed.
A group called M23, which is supported by Rwanda, has taken control of an important city called Uvira.
This is happening even though there was a peace agreement signed by the leaders of Congo and Rwanda in the U.S. last week.
Both sides blame each other for breaking the ceasefire.
Many people have had to leave their homes because of the fighting, and some have even gone to the neighboring country of Burundi.
The U.S. and the U.N. say that Rwanda is helping the M23 group, but Rwanda says it is not.
The fighting is causing a big problem for the people living in the area.
Over 413 civilians killed in fighting between Uvira and Bukavu in eastern Congo.
M23, a Rwanda-backed armed group, captured the strategic city of Uvira.
Fighting continues despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed by Congo and Rwanda.
Both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, with Rwandan special forces and mercenaries operating in the region.
More than 200,000 people have been displaced since December 2, with over 30,000 refugees entering Burundi in the last three days.
- Who
- Civilians in Kivu province, eastern Congo, M23 armed group, Rwandan special forces, Congolese and Rwandan governments, U.S. and U.N. experts
- What
- Ongoing fighting and civilian casualties in eastern Congo, despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement
- Where
- Kivu province, eastern Congo, particularly between Uvira and Bukavu, and the strategic city of Uvira
- When
- Recent offensive since the start of the month, with over 400 civilians killed in the latest violence
- Why
- M23's offensive continues despite a ceasefire and peace agreement, with accusations of ceasefire violations and Rwandan support for the rebel group
Key facts
- Location
- Kivu province, eastern Congo
- Casualties
- More than 413 civilians killed
- Armed Group
- M23, backed by Rwanda
- Strategic City Captured
- Uvira
- Displaced People
- More than 200,000 since Dec. 2
- M23 Fighters
- Around 6,500
- Rwandan Forces in Congo
- Up to 4,000
- Refugees in Burundi
- More than 30,000 in last three days
Quotes
South Kivu government spokesperson
Government spokesperson for South Kivu province
“More than 413 civilians (have been) killed by bullets, grenades, and bombs, including many women, children, and young people”
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“According to the information gathered, the forces present in the city are composed of Rwandan special forces and some of their foreign mercenaries, operating in clear violation of the ceasefire as well as the Washington and Doha agreements, in total disregard of the commitments made”
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Edouard Bizimana
Burundian Foreign Minister
“M23 without Kagame, without Rwanda, is nothing.”
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“We have registered more than 30,000 refugees and asylum seekers in the last three days… Uvira and Bujumbura are coastal cities. What threatens Uvira also threatens Bujumbura.”
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Lawrence Kanyuka
Spokesperson for the M23 armed group
“M23 said it had taken control of the strategic city of Uvira in eastern Congo on Wednesday afternoon, following a rapid offensive since the start of the month.”
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Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government department of Rwanda
“The DRC has openly stated that it would not observe any ceasefire, and was fighting to recapture territories lost to AFC/M23, even as the peace process unfolded”
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