Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of Nyabibwe, a key mining town in South Kivu province in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The rebels made the move despite declaring a ceasefire earlier this week after the fighting with the Congolese military had left hundreds of people dead.
Nyabibwe is known for its rich deposits of minerals, including gold and coltan. Its capture brings the rebels closer to Bukavu, the provincial capital, which they previously claimed they had no intention of seizing.
M23 now in Nyabibwe, Bukavu will fall next. Mark this Post pic.twitter.com/2fUpIU7aCH
— African (@ali_naka) February 6, 2025
Multiple sources, including local officials and civil society representatives, have confirmed the fall of Nyabibwe to M23 forces. Clashes reportedly began at dawn, with rebels entering the town’s center by mid-morning on Wednesday.
Rwanda’s Dr Congo ‘invasion’ continues: M23 rebels seize Nyabibwe after #Goma, advance to Bukavu
Watch pic.twitter.com/ktR7HmjwCb
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) February 6, 2025
The Congolese government has condemned the rebels’ actions, accusing them of violating the ceasefire and advancing towards Bukavu. “The RDF/M23 unilateral ceasefire was nothing but a Rwandan lie. Troops crossed the great barrier of Goma at night to attack the city of Nyabibwe,” Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said.
The M23 rebels, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, have been active in eastern Congo for over a decade. Last week, the group seized Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC.
On Monday, the United Nations reported that last week’s clashes between rebels and Congolese forces left at least 900 people dead and displaced over a million. It also noted that aid organization warehouses and offices had been looted and warned of a growing risk of mpox, cholera, measles, and other diseases due to limited access to medical care.
🚨 The crisis in DRC is escalating. 1.3M+ people newly displaced, with women & girls at extreme risk. @UNFPA is on the ground providing life-saving care, but urgent funding is needed. Every second counts. #DRCCrisis #ProtectWomen
📽️ Watch & share. pic.twitter.com/6puMGZos5M
— UNFPA East and Southern Africa (@UNFPA_ESARO) February 5, 2025
Regional leaders are scheduled to meet in Tanzania on February 7-8 to discuss the escalating conflict. DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are expected to attend the summit.
