The M23 rebel group seized control of Nyanzale in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, causing the death of at least 15 individuals in bomb attacks, as reported by a local official on Wednesday.
Located approximately 130 km (80 miles) north of the provincial capital Goma, Nyanzale houses thousands of internally displaced people who sought refuge from conflicts in nearby regions.
“It is since the morning that we noticed the capture of Nyanzale by the M23, and the death toll rose to 15,” said Isaac Kibira, a deputy to the governor in the nearby town of Bambo.
“The victims were killed by bombs fired indiscriminately by the M23,” he told newsmen, adding that 10 people were killed in one house and other bodies found throughout the city.
On Tuesday, M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma claimed on X that Nyanzale was now under the group’s control, describing the situation as “tranquillity and deliverance.” Congolese army commander Jerome Chico Tshitambwe confirmed the seizure, responding with a simple “yes.”
The M23, a Tutsi-led faction, has escalated its activities in eastern Congo this year. Despite allegations by U.N. experts and Western powers like the United States and France that the group receives support from Rwanda, the latter vehemently denies any involvement.
This week, the European Union advocated for dialogue between Congo and Rwanda to address the underlying causes of the conflict, emphasizing that a political resolution is essential to bring an end to the ongoing turmoil.
“The strengthening of military capabilities as well as the use of surface-to-air missiles and sophisticated drones constitute a worrying escalation,” the EU said.
Around 100,000 people have fled Nyanzale since the M23’s advance in the last few days, said the U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA.
