Fighting between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army intensified on Friday in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a military source confirmed.
The clashes had subsided for about a week since the M23’s latest onslaught in late October. The rebel group has had a major resurgence this year, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, after its first big insurrection, a decade ago.
The resumption of fighting has caused a diplomatic crack between Congo and neighbouring Rwanda, which Congo accuses of funding the M23. Rwanda denies this.
“We are currently shelling their positions and we are going to take back the localities under the control of the M23,” said a senior army officer.
Clashes were reported on several fronts in Rutshuru territory, in east Congo’s North Kivu province, on Friday morning. Some of the fighting was in Virunga National Park near the towns of Kiwanja and Rutshuru.
One of the leaders of the M23, Bertrand Bisimwa, said on Twitter that fighting had resumed and accused the Congolese army of working with another rebel group, the Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and various local militias. Congo has equally denied backing the FDLR.
