M23 rebels and allied forces have captured Lunyasenge, a vital fishing town on Lake Edward’s western shore in eastern DR Congo. This takeover followed fierce clashes with the Congolese army on Sunday. The fighting resulted in the deaths of seven soldiers and ten rebels, according to a local official.
The Congolese army has condemned the attack as a blatant violation of the agreed ceasefire. They also cited ongoing negotiations in Doha and Washington. Army spokesperson Colonel Mak Hazukay warned of the army’s right to respond to persistent threats from the rebels and their alleged Rwandan allies.
Eyewitnesses reported rebels arriving by boat from nearby fisheries before engaging Congolese soldiers in Lunyasenge. This strategic town offers access to key areas and positions the M23 near Ugandan-influenced territories. The M23’s intensified offensive since December continues despite a recent ceasefire agreement brokered in Doha between Congolese and Rwandan presidents. A subsequent US-brokered declaration in April, aimed at a peace agreement by May 2, appears to have been unsuccessful in halting hostilities.
