As M23 Rebels Parade Troops, Tensions Increase in Eastern Congo

As government forces and the M23 rebel group encroach on the frontlines, tensions are rising in eastern Congo, endangering tenuous peace initiatives. More than 7,000 new recruits participated in a military parade that M23 held in Goma over the weekend. The group asserted that local militia members and surrendering Congolese soldiers were among the combatants. However, rights organizations caution that many might have been forced. The situation is concerning, according to Christian Rumu of Amnesty International.

The march takes place a few weeks before a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and mediators is anticipated to be signed in Washington. The return of conquered land to Congolese authority and Rwanda’s cessation of backing for M23 would be crucial components of the deal.

However, confidence is already being eroded by new skirmishes and charges of ceasefire violations between the parties. With at least 3,000 people killed, millions homeless, and a U.N. report detailing “horrific atrocities” ranging from gang rape and sexual enslavement to torture and murders carried out by both the Congolese government and the rebels, the violence has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis.

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