The Congolese army is struggling to maintain control in the face of a renewed offensive by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group. Following a chaotic retreat from the front lines, soldiers have been looting and sowing panic in the eastern town of Lubero, further destabilizing the already volatile region.
The army has issued a 12-hour ultimatum for deserters to return to their posts, but reports from residents paint a picture of widespread disarray. “It’s complete turmoil in Lubero,” one resident told Reuters, describing gunfire and looting at the central market.
The retreat from Bukavu and the flare-up of fighting around Lubero have put immense pressure on the Congolese armed forces. The M23’s advance has alarmed the region and the international community, prompting the United States to impose sanctions on Rwandan officials and rebel leaders.
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. Thousands of civilians are fleeing the fighting, seeking refuge in already overcrowded displacement camps. Access to food, water, and healthcare is severely limited, and the threat of disease outbreaks is growing.
The conflict has also taken a heavy toll on the Congolese army. The government has launched a solidarity fund to support the war effort, highlighting the financial strain of the three-year insurgency.
The international community must step up its efforts to address the crisis in eastern Congo. This includes providing humanitarian assistance to affected populations, supporting diplomatic initiatives to resolve the conflict, and holding accountable those responsible for human rights abuses. The stability of the entire region hangs in the balance.