M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) captured the city of Nyabibwe in the eastern province of South Kivu on Wednesday, despite declaring a unilateral ceasefire earlier in the week. This ceasefire, which began on Tuesday, was called by the Alliance Fleuve Congo, a rebel coalition including M23, due to humanitarian concerns after they took control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, last week.
However, intense clashes erupted between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army on Wednesday, with fighting continuing to spread across the region. Nyabibwe, located between Goma and Bukavu (the capital of South Kivu), was seized by the M23 forces, according to local officials.
The situation remains tense, with the World Health Organization reporting over 900 deaths in Goma in recent weeks and 20 peacekeepers killed since last week, including 14 from South Africa. Thousands have fled the violence, seeking refuge in neighboring Rwanda.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera ordered the withdrawal of Malawian peacekeeping troops stationed in eastern Congo. The withdrawal follows the declaration of a ceasefire and aims to facilitate negotiations toward lasting peace in the region. The decision also comes after the loss of three Malawian soldiers in Goma during clashes with M23 rebels.
