Rebel Attack Claims Life of DR Congo Governor Amid Escalating Conflict

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In a significant escalation of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rebels from the Rwanda-backed M23 group have killed Major General Peter Cirimwami, the military governor of North Kivu, during a frontline visit. The military confirmed on Friday that Cirimwami succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack on Thursday. Following this incident, fighting between the M23 and the DRC army has intensified, with M23 fighters making territorial gains.

Since the start of 2023, over 400,000 residents have fled their homes, primarily towards the city of Goma, which is currently threatened by the advancing M23 troops. The rebels have reportedly captured several towns, including Masisi and Minova, leaving a trail of destruction that has resulted in more than 200 civilian deaths. Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed with casualties, and humanitarian organizations warn of severe risks to civilians as both sides engage in brutal combat.

In response to the deteriorating situation, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos to hold urgent security meetings and instructed the army to repel the M23 rebels and protect Goma. The loss of Goma, a city of over a million people near the Rwandan border, would represent a major strategic victory for the M23, which briefly controlled the city during a previous rebellion in 2012.

Residents, including those in affected towns like Sake, are fleeing with what little they can carry. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbating as roads to Goma are blocked, raising concerns about food shortages. International governments, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France, have advised their citizens to evacuate Goma as fighting continues.

As the conflict escalates, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for respect for the sovereignty of the DRC and an end to support for armed groups, warning that the crisis has the potential to ignite a broader regional conflict.

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