Congolese forces, supported by Burundi’s military, have managed to slow the southern advance of M23 rebels, who recently seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, had begun pushing toward Bukavu in neighboring South Kivu province, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
After initial gains, the Congolese army, alongside Burundian soldiers and local militias, has succeeded in preventing further M23 advances, according to South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki and other sources. Around 1,500 troops have been deployed to defend Nyabibwe, a key town located 50 km from Bukavu.
The situation has heightened regional tensions, with reports suggesting that Rwandan, Congolese, and Burundian forces are already engaged in battles in eastern Congo. The conflict has historical roots, as M23 is the latest in a series of Tutsi-led rebel groups to emerge in the region, following Rwanda’s 1994 genocide.