Fighting between government forces and M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo has edged towards the eastern city of Goma, an army spokesperson confirmed, after violence flared up again over the weekend.
M23 forces who briefly captured Goma in a major offensive in 2012, have attacked government troops in the villages of Kibumba, Rugari, and Tongo — sparking hundreds of residents to flee, taking the total displaced number since October 20 up to 188,000 according to UN report.
Peace talks brokered by ex-Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta are pencilled in for the end of this month, while talks have been held recently to smooth tensions with Rwanda – whom Congo accuses of backing the Tutsi-led M23 group.
On Tuesday, Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb, reporting from Kibati village approximately 15km (9 miles) away from Goma, said the Congolese government forces initially repelled M23’s attack on the town of Kibumba after more than a day of heavy fighting.
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“Meanwhile, community leaders on the other side of the front line have told us that about 60,000 people are stuck behind the front line in the territory held by the M23 rebel group and that they want a humanitarian corridor to be created so they can leave that area before the fighting gets closer to them,” Webb said.
Hundreds have fled to Kibati in recent days.
Read also:Kenya to Spend Ksh.4.5 Billion on DRC Peace Keeping Mission
Kibati has set up three camps for internally displaced people over the past month. Some have taken refuge in houses already abandoned by residents moving further south, according to a Reuters reporter.
M23 is using drone surveillance and the UN has said the group is using sophisticated weaponry.
The East African Community is helping Congo to fight the rebels and bring peace back to the country.
Read also:EAC states agree to mobilize a regional force to stabilize Eastern Congo
