The Congolese army suffered a significant loss of territory on Monday following intense clashes with M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), just one day after a high-stakes peace summit between the leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda was abruptly called off.
Since 2021, the M23 rebel group, which is widely believed to be supported by Rwanda, has captured key areas in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. On Sunday, the rebels launched a fresh assault, forcing the Congolese army to abandon the strategically important town of Matembe in North Kivu province, which lies on the vital road to Butembo, a major economic center.
As fighting continued into Monday, clashes resumed in the hilly terrain between Matembe and the neighboring town of Vutsorovya. John Mahangaiko, a spokesperson for a pro-government militia operating alongside the Congolese army, confirmed that heavy fighting had ensued. A Congolese military source also verified that the army was compelled to retreat under pressure from the advancing rebels.
The escalation comes just days after a planned peace summit between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, hosted by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, was abruptly canceled. The summit was intended to address the ongoing conflict, but talks broke down after Rwanda demanded that the DRC engage in direct dialogue with the M23 rebels, a condition that the Congolese delegation rejected.
The eastern DRC has been mired in instability for decades, with various armed groups vying for control of the region’s valuable mineral resources. The conflict has displaced millions of civilians and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with little hope of a lasting resolution in sight.