Story by Vivian Bangamu
The United Nations (UN) has warned a deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as the fight between M23 rebels and the Congolese army intensifies.
This comes after M23 rebels seized towns and new territories in North Kivu province, including in Minova and Masisi, cutting off supply routes to Goma.
Minova town is the main supply route for the provincial capital Goma.
According to the UN report, the decade-long conflict coupled with this week’s clashes has seen civilians to fleeing the Nzulo camp for displaced persons, near Goma in eastern Congo fearing for their safety.
With only a few weeks into 2025, more than 237 000 people have been displaced already, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Reports say the Tutsi-led rebel group has been renewing its insurgency in the country’s east since 2022, fighting for control of the mineral-rich region.
The UN peacekeeping mission has noted it is crucial for both parties, especially the M23, to abide by the ceasefire in place since the 4th of August last year.
