UNCONFIRMED REPORTS: CLASHES ERUPTED THIS MORNING BETWEEN SECURITY FORCES AND M23 REBEL MOVEMENT IN KASURA VILLAGE WITHIN THE NORTHERN KIVU PROVINCE OF THE DRC
2/12/2023
[East Africa]: Early this morning reports by eyewitnesses began to circulate on social media about clashes that erupted between security forces and the M23 rebellion movement in the northern Kivu province of the DRC. Witnesses stated that most of the fighting has been centered around the village of Kasura and on the roads between Sake and Kitsanga. Additionally, reports have been circulating stating that explosions have been heard near Sake and that Rwandan soldiers have been assisting the M23 rebels in this morning’s clashes. No government officials or local media have been able to confirm these reports and if there have been any casualties, however, Expeditionary Intelligence Group will continue to update confirm details as they are released.
The March 23 Movement (M23) is a rebellion movement based in the eastern DRC region. Its members are mostly made up of individuals belonging to the ethnic Tutsi group and have carried out large offensives across the nation since 2012. In its latest offensive which began in October 2022, eventually led to the capture of Bunagana displacing thousands of local residents. The government of the DRC has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 movement and supplying soldiers to help the group destabilize the region, however, Rwanda has remained steadfast in denying these accusations. Despite multiple agreements for a ceasefire, the M23 has continued its offensives within the region to the effect of leading many to speculate that the recent increase in attacks has been the largest since the group’s formation in 2012. As of 2023, it is believed that the M23 has seized control of Bunagana, Kiwanja, Kitshanga, Rutshuru, and control vital roads leading to Goma.
The DRC has been a hotbed for insecurity in east Africa as the country was engulfed in a 5-year civil war until 2018 when a peace agreement was negotiated. Although a peace agreement was reached, it has been noted that the government’s implementation of the terms has been extremely slow resulting in a lack of ability to unite the nation. Due to this lack of control armed groups have been given a platform that fosters growth without fear of retaliation.
[FIGURES 1-3]: Assorted mapping displaying where the event occurred
[FIGURES 4-6]: Twitter activity surrounding the incident