Image Source: Al Jazeera
Africa – Despite agreeing to a ceasefire, violence between the Congolese government and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has intensified in North Kivu. Civilians have borne the brunt of the fighting, with hundreds killed in what rights groups describe as a breakdown of all diplomatic commitments.
Goma-based journalist Sabiti Djaffar confirmed that both sides have ignored the ceasefire. While officials speak of dialogue, the reality on the ground reflects ongoing military action.
“One thing we know is true is that the ceasefire was many times violated on both sides. The government side attacked M23 zones, and M23 also responded and attacked other government fighting zones,” Djaffar explained.
The most recent mass killing has drawn international condemnation. The UN Human Rights Office reported that M23 rebels executed at least 319 civilians between 9 and 21 July in Rutshuru territory.
The victims, including women and children, were mostly farmers sleeping in fields during the planting season.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk responded sharply to the reports. He said the killings represented one of the deadliest incidents in the region since M23’s resurgence.
“I am appalled by the attacks on civilians by the M23 and other armed groups in eastern DRC amid continued fighting, despite the ceasefire that was recently signed in Doha. All attacks against civilians must stop immediately, and all those responsible must be held to account,” Türk stated.
Information Blackout in Conflict Zones
While the UN has released detailed findings, verifying those claims on the ground has proven difficult.
Journalists operating in eastern DRC say access to the affected areas is blocked due to ongoing fighting, making independent confirmation nearly impossible. Most of the information so far has come from civilians who fled the region.
“Regarding the accusation from the UN, this can be a problem for any journalist based here in the zone because we don’t have access to the zone to get more evidence,” said Djaffar.
“To be honest, the UN is a good source for a journalist. But unfortunately, I’m not sure myself that the UN also gets records from good sources because everything started with some outlet from people who are not even based in Rochuru… and from there they reported these killings.”
Conflicting narratives from the government, the rebels, and international actors have created an environment of uncertainty. While the UN blames M23, the group denies involvement and claims the allegations are politically motivated.
“When the UN gives a statement accusing M23 of a mass killing which is a massacre, I can trust UN but as a journalist I can’t be 100% sure as I cannot verify by myself as I still don’t have access to that zone and it’s not only me but all journalists around this zone,” Djaffar said.
He believes that both M23 and MONUSCO have a responsibility to grant journalists safe access to these restricted areas. Without it, the public remains reliant on second-hand reports and political spin.
“One thing I can maybe need from M23 and Monusco is to organise the way that journalists can access that zone to investigate and get real information because both sides are giving different allegations,” he added.
In conversations with rebel representatives, Djaffar encountered complete denial of the killings. He described how one M23-aligned official accused the UN mission itself of pushing misinformation on behalf of the Congolese government.
“The deputy coordinator of the AFC, the alliance of the Congo River… didn’t accept that their armed forces killed anyone in that area,” Djaffar said.
“He clarified this accusation… that the joint bureau of Monusco is now playing the game of the Kinshasa government by accusing, by making fake accusations on M23.”
Ceasefire in Name Only
Although the DRC government and M23 signed a declaration of principles in Doha, following a separate peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda in Washington, fighting has persisted.
Clashes have spread beyond Rutshuru, with multiple armed groups carrying out attacks across North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri.
In Ituri, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) reportedly killed more than 100 civilians in a string of July attacks. The dead included 40 people attending Sunday prayers and several children.
Meanwhile, CODECO fighters were accused of killing civilians in Ituri, while Wazalendo-linked groups were implicated in sexual violence in South Kivu.
Despite these events, Djaffar said many Congolese have lost trust in both the government and rebel groups. He noted that statements about peace are rarely followed by action on the ground.
“We think that both sides are lying. They say they want a political solution, a diplomatic solution. When talking, their armies were still fighting in the zone,” he said.
He warned that the violence could escalate further. With growing resources and external support, M23 appears confident it can gain ground. At the same time, the government continues its military offensive, hoping to crush the rebellion by force.
“The DRC government wants to put an end to this rebellion with weapons,” Djaffar said.
“What is also the goal of the rebellion. Because they have a big supporter and a big means now, as they feel they have the means to take control of the entire country… They also think that it’s now time to continue fighting and to reach Kinshasa, to get control of the president and his government.”
