What You Need to Know
Clashes continue in Ovira, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as residents flee southward. Reports indicate gunfire has been heard for three days, particularly in the Makubula area. Following the withdrawal of the M23 movement, a parallel administration is being established, with some leaders remaining in the city while local officials are appointed to manage neighborhoods.
Africa. Clashes continued Tuesday around the city of Ovira in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as some residents fled southward in search of refuge within the city.
Reports indicate gunfire has been heard in the area for three days, particularly in the Makubula region, located about 20 kilometers from Ovira. Local sources have noted the establishment of a parallel administration in the city following the withdrawal of the M23 movement, which announced its departure from Ovira between December 17 and 18. Despite the departure of most of its members, some leaders remain in the city, while the distribution of temporary civilian officials to manage some neighborhoods has begun, pending the arrival of a neutral force as previously requested by the movement.
In terms of security, individuals dressed in black have appeared in the city to protect residents, according to the movement, which referred to them as “local defense.” These individuals are civilians and some leaders from AFC/M23 who have received ideological training, with some armed, while emphasizing that they do not constitute the army or police of the movement. Residents have also reported seeing vehicles belonging to the movement moving around the city, especially in the early morning and evening.
In related developments, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council held a meeting on Monday, December 29, to discuss the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, emphasized the need to respect the sovereignty of states and the integrity of their territories, considering the M23’s control over Ovira a violation of the Doha Agreement and the Washington Agreement.
The Council called for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops and full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2773, while rejecting any attempts to establish parallel administrations on Congolese territory, stressing the necessity of finding a political solution to ensure a sustainable de-escalation in the eastern part of the country.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced ongoing conflict, particularly in its eastern regions, due to various armed groups vying for control. The M23 movement, which has been a significant player in this conflict, has previously engaged in battles against government forces and other militias. The situation in Ovira reflects broader tensions in the region, where local governance and security remain precarious amidst the presence of foreign and domestic armed factions.
