Rebels, Troops Engage In Fresh Clash In Eastern Congo

Fighting reportedly flared on Monday, February 19, 2023, between DR Congo's army and M23 rebels.

A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said confrontations began again on Monday in the Kitshanga district, northwest of the main eastern city of Goma.

The fighting comes as regional authorities urged for a truce and the withdrawal of all armed factions from the occupied area by March 30.

Some 120 armed factions and self-defence militias are estimated to be fighting in eastern DRC.

The M23 group, which stands for the March 23 Movement, resurfaced in November 2021, accusing the DRC of failing to honour a pledge to incorporate its fighters into the army.

After a run of successes over state forces, the rebels are now close to Goma, the provincial capital.