At least 52 people were reported killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo over the weekend, as a series of violent attacks intensified the long-running conflict in the region.
The violence was experienced in and around Goma and Bukavu, two strategic cities that have been brought under the control of the M23 rebel group. Responsibility for the bloodshed has been hotly disputed, with the Congolese government attributing the deaths to M23, while the rebels accused Congolese forces and allied militias of initiating the assaults.
Throughout the weekend, heavy gunfire and explosions were heard, prompting civilians to seek shelter in their homes. Residents, including Amboma Safari from Goma, described harrowing nights spent in fear as corpses were seen on the streets. The deteriorating security situation has raised concerns about the collapse of ongoing peace efforts being facilitated by Qatar and African regional bodies. A brief mobilisation by the Wazalendo militia group in Bukavu, followed by a declared ceasefire, was observed but has done little to ease tensions.
The renewed violence has been described as the most serious threat to peace since M23 seized Goma in January and Bukavu in February. Over 3,000 people have been killed since the start of the latest escalation, and the humanitarian crisis has been worsened, with nearly 7 million now displaced. In official statements, both sides have blamed one another, and accusations have been traded while calls for dialogue continue to be issued. With the region on edge, fears are mounting that the fragile situation could spiral into broader conflict if international mediation fails.