Congo's president has sent a massive army to fight rebels who control two major cities. Felix Tshisekedi ordered 60,000 soldiers to march toward Goma and Bukavu with heavy weapons and help from Burundi troops. The rebels from the M23 group and their allies have held these areas since 2021. Military experts say this represents the biggest war effort since 2013. Peace talks continue in Washington and Qatar but the fighting threatens to destroy any chance of success.
The rebel alliance blasted the government for launching attacks during negotiations. Leaders accused Congo of aiming weapons at crowded neighborhoods where millions of people live. They called the military campaign a crime against humanity and said it shows the government wants war instead of peace. The rebels warned they will fight back to protect civilians and defend their territory. Government officials argue they must retake control of the provinces where rebels have grabbed large chunks of land.
Goma sits near the Rwanda border and serves as an important business center for the region. The city has become the main target of the president's campaign to push out rebel forces. More than 7 million people have fled their homes across Congo because of fighting. A peace deal signed earlier this year between Congo and Rwanda has failed to stop the violence. Rebel leaders question whether the government really wants peace or just wants to start another war.
The rebel alliance blasted the government for launching attacks during negotiations. Leaders accused Congo of aiming weapons at crowded neighborhoods where millions of people live. They called the military campaign a crime against humanity and said it shows the government wants war instead of peace. The rebels warned they will fight back to protect civilians and defend their territory. Government officials argue they must retake control of the provinces where rebels have grabbed large chunks of land.
Goma sits near the Rwanda border and serves as an important business center for the region. The city has become the main target of the president's campaign to push out rebel forces. More than 7 million people have fled their homes across Congo because of fighting. A peace deal signed earlier this year between Congo and Rwanda has failed to stop the violence. Rebel leaders question whether the government really wants peace or just wants to start another war.
