The M23 rebels, along with Rwandan forces, launched a fresh offensive on Wednesday in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, just days before a crisis summit involving the presidents of Rwanda and Congo is scheduled to take place.
The United Nations reported that the fighting over the strategic city of Goma, which was captured by the M23 and Rwandan troops last week, has resulted in a staggering death toll of at least 2,900, significantly higher than the previously reported figure of 900.
Disregarding a ceasefire it had declared, the M23 and Rwandan soldiers captured a mining town in South Kivu province, renewing their push towards the provincial capital of Bukavu.
Major clashes erupted at dawn on Wednesday as M23 combatants and Rwandan forces overtook the mining town of Nyabibwe, located approximately 100 kilometres from Bukavu and 70 kilometres from the provincial airport, according to security and humanitarian sources.
In its declaration of the ceasefire, the M23 claimed it had “no intention of seizing control of Bukavu or any other locations.”
“This is evidence that the unilateral ceasefire that was declared was, as usual, merely a tactic,” remarked Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya to AFP.
Over more than three years of conflict between the Rwanda-supported group and the Congolese military, a series of ceasefires and truces have been announced, only to be swiftly violated.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who refutes allegations of supporting the M23, has called for a “de-escalation” in the region.
He said that he had communicated with European Council President Antonio Costa regarding the situation, and they concurred on the necessity for effective de-escalation and a resolution to the conflict that would ensure lasting peace.
