On Thursday, June 12, 2024, intense fighting erupted between the M23 rebel group and government forces near the city of Goma, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to local reports, the conflict lasted nearly the entire day, with heavy artillery and gunfire echoing across the region. Civilians living in the affected areas described the violence as some of the worst in recent memory.
The fighting was concentrated around the towns of Sake, Shasha, Bweremana, and Minova—key locations along the road leading from Goma to Bukavu in South Kivu province. Witnesses, including Marc Zigila, a member of Masisi’s civil society, confirmed that gunfire and explosions were heard throughout Thursday. Zigila noted that this level of fighting had not been seen in recent times, and many residents fled their homes to escape the violence.
According to reports from Radio Okapi, which is supported by the United Nations, the clashes involved M23 rebels and Wazalendo fighters, a pro-government militia. In Bweremana, schools were forced to close, and students did not attend classes as the area became too dangerous.
The violence also spilled over into civilian areas, with reports of casualties on both sides. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka issued a statement accusing government forces of targeting civilian areas under M23 control, resulting in the deaths of five civilians. He provided the names of individuals allegedly killed in the areas of Bufaransa, Bihambwe, and Tongo in the Masisi region. Kanyuka’s statement claimed that the government’s actions were likely to escalate into an all-out war, despite ongoing efforts by regional and international actors to promote peace.
In Goma, local journalists reported that a shell fired from the hills controlled by M23 struck the Mugunga area, killing three civilians. These reports have not been independently verified.
So far, neither the Congolese government nor the Wazalendo militia have issued statements regarding Thursday’s clashes. However, past accusations from the government have blamed M23 for violating ceasefire agreements and launching attacks on military positions. The M23 rebels, on the other hand, allege that the government’s actions threaten peace efforts in the region.
The timing of this escalation is particularly concerning, as it comes after a period of relative calm. The Kinshasa government had expressed satisfaction with the fragile ceasefire, despite intermittent skirmishes, which they blamed on M23, alleging that the group is supported by Rwanda. Kigali has consistently denied these allegations and, in turn, accused the Congolese government of collaborating with the FDLR, a Rwandan rebel group based in eastern DRC.
In parallel with the ongoing violence, diplomatic talks continue in Luanda, Angola. The negotiations, which involve intelligence officials from both DR Congo and Rwanda, are attempting to address the root causes of the conflict. Recent reports from Africa Intelligence confirmed that M23 representatives were invited to these discussions. On Monday, September 9, 2024, Congolese Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya told France 24 that a critical meeting on September 14 would assess an expert report on the situation. Muyaya indicated that the Luanda talks are focusing on two key issues: dismantling the FDLR and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from DR Congo.
While the Rwandan government continues to deny any involvement with M23, both sides face accusations of supporting proxy forces in the region. Numerous UN expert reports have pointed to the complex web of alliances and rivalries that fuel the conflict. The M23, backed by the Alliance Fleuve Congo, claims to be fighting for political and security reforms in DR Congo, including the protection of Congolese Tutsi communities and the repatriation of refugees. However, the group has recently shifted its rhetoric, now openly calling for the removal of President Félix Tshisekedi, whom they accuse of mismanagement.
