DRC Bombings Persist, Threatening Fragile Peace After Washington Agreement
Goma, DRC – Despite a recent peace agreement signed in Washington, bombings continue to plague eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, triggering a fresh wave of civilian displacement and raising fears for the region’s stability. Fighting has intensified around the town of Kamanyola, with civilians fleeing across the border into Rwanda under the protection of Rwandan police.
The continued violence casts a shadow over the Washington accord, intended to de-escalate conflict between the DRC government and the M23 rebel group. The bombings disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, disrupting lives and hindering efforts to address the DRC’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. the conflict is further complex by accusations leveled against neighboring countries, with the M23 alleging the Burundian army is conducting “uninterrupted” bombardments from its territory.
Immaculée Antoinette, a displaced resident of Ruhumba near Kamanyola, described the escalating situation: “The bombs were exploding above the houses.” Residents reported being urged to shelter indoors, a directive many found impossible to follow amidst the relentless attacks. Hassan Shabani, a member of the city administration, lamented that bombs were being dropped “on schools, hospitals and civilian homes.”
Reports from the ground indicate a climate of fear, particularly among women and children. Farizi Bizimana, a resident, described how inhabitants “observe the hills where the shots are coming from, in small groups,” seeking refuge indoors as the intensity of the shelling increases.
The ongoing conflict underscores the complex regional dynamics at play in eastern DRC, a region rich in natural resources – including lithium, attracting international interest from countries like China and the United States – but plagued by decades of instability.
