Congo's army says rebels killed 17 people during an attack on Sunday night. The soldiers blame M23 fighters and their allies from Rwanda for the deaths. The violence happened in Munzinzi village located in South Kivu province. Military leaders say the rebels also burned down several houses during the raid. Scared residents ran to nearby army bases for safety.
Army officials claim the victims worked with government forces and local defense groups. The rebels accused these civilians of helping Congo's military fight against them. Soldiers say M23 carried out the killings after losing battles against government troops. The attack served as punishment for people who supported the national army. Military spokesman Major General Ekenge condemned the violence against innocent people.
M23 rebels have forced more than one million people from their homes since 2021. The fighting has spread across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in eastern Congo. Congo's government says Rwanda supports the rebel group with weapons and soldiers. United Nations experts have confirmed this assistance from Rwanda to M23. Rwanda denies helping the rebels despite evidence from international investigators.
Peace talks have failed to stop the violence from getting worse. M23 fighters continue taking control of new areas near major cities. Congo's army works with local militias and regional partners to fight back. The conflict has created a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of residents. Civilians continue suffering as battles rage across the eastern provinces.
Army officials claim the victims worked with government forces and local defense groups. The rebels accused these civilians of helping Congo's military fight against them. Soldiers say M23 carried out the killings after losing battles against government troops. The attack served as punishment for people who supported the national army. Military spokesman Major General Ekenge condemned the violence against innocent people.
M23 rebels have forced more than one million people from their homes since 2021. The fighting has spread across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in eastern Congo. Congo's government says Rwanda supports the rebel group with weapons and soldiers. United Nations experts have confirmed this assistance from Rwanda to M23. Rwanda denies helping the rebels despite evidence from international investigators.
Peace talks have failed to stop the violence from getting worse. M23 fighters continue taking control of new areas near major cities. Congo's army works with local militias and regional partners to fight back. The conflict has created a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of residents. Civilians continue suffering as battles rage across the eastern provinces.
