The simmering conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reignited, with clashes between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army (FARDC) leaving at least 10 dead and displacing many more.
The Rwanda-backed M23 resumed its insurgency in late 2021, seizing territory in North Kivu province.
Recent fighting centers around the provincial capital Goma, already overwhelmed by hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
Local sources reported a bomb attack on Monday in Kikuku, Rutshuru territory, targeting civilian homes.
The origin of the blast remains unclear, with some sources claiming it came from the FARDC side, while others reported a death toll of eight.
A separate rebel attack killed a motorcyclist on the same day.
In an attempt to regain control, the FARDC, backed by local militia, launched an offensive in Rutshuru and Masisi territories.
However, the M23 responded by capturing the town of Kyaghala on Monday, forcing residents to flee towards Kanyabayonga.
Exhausted and lacking resources, many displaced people remain stranded along the way.
While the southern fronts close to Goma remained quiet on Tuesday, intense fighting continues 70 km north.
This ongoing conflict poses a dire threat to civilians caught in the crossfire, struggling with displacement and dwindling resources.
