In the recent days, conflict has intensified between M23 rebels and government forces near the strategic city of Goma. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has accused Rwanda of carrying out a drone attack that damaged a civilian aircraft at the airport in Goma. The fighting has also spread to the town of Sake, with reports of two bombs being fired.
The DRC, along with the United Nations and Western countries, have accused Rwanda of backing the rebels in order to control the region’s mineral resources, an allegation that Rwanda denies. The rebels have gained control of large parts of North Kivu in the past two years and are reportedly receiving support from the Rwandan army.
The UN Security Council has expressed concern at the escalating violence and condemned the M23 offensive near Goma. The conflict has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians and has created a new front in the region, impacting areas that were previously unaffected by the conflict.
With diplomatic efforts failing to resolve the situation, African leaders are expected to discuss the conflict at the upcoming African Union summit in Addis Ababa.