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| partof = the [[Kivu conflict]]
| image = M23 Offensive Map.svg
| caption = Military situation as of
{{leftlegend|#ff2800|Controlled by [[March 23 Movement]] and Nyatura's militia}}
{{leftlegend|white|Controlled by [[Land Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]] and allied militias}}
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| combatant1 = [[March 23 Movement]]<br />{{flag|Rwanda}}{{efn|Rwandan involvement was first alleged by the DR Congo,<ref name="BBC 30 March">{{cite news |title=M23 rebels in DR Congo deny shooting down UN helicopter |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-60926185 |work=BBC |date=30 March 2022 |access-date=13 June 2022 |archive-date=23 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423045957/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-60926185 |url-status=live }}</ref> a claim which was later substantiated by the findings of researchers tasked by the [[United Nations]].<ref name="RadioOkapi4">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/08/05/actualite/revue-de-presse/tempete-des-tropiques-soutien-militaire-au-m23-lonu-enfonce-le |title=Tempête des tropiques : " Soutien militaire au M23, l'ONU enfonce le Rwanda " |work=RadioOkapi |date=5 August 2022 |access-date=19 August 2022 |archive-date=19 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819161401/https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/08/05/actualite/revue-de-presse/tempete-des-tropiques-soutien-militaire-au-m23-lonu-enfonce-le |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="VOA aiding">{{cite web |url=https://www.voaafrica.com/a/rwanda-inside-drc-aiding-m23---report/6686811.html |title=Rwanda Inside DRC, Aiding M23 - Report |work=VOA |date=4 August 2022 |access-date=19 August 2022 |archive-date=20 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820173449/https://www.voaafrica.com/a/rwanda-inside-drc-aiding-m23---report/6686811.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Rwanda has denied its support for M23.<ref name="BBC 30 March" /> }}<br />'''Supported by:'''<br />{{flag|Uganda}} (June 2022; alleged by DR Congo)<ref name="reuters 13 June">{{cite news |title=Congo rebels seize eastern border town, local activists say |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/congo-rebels-seize-key-eastern-border-town-local-activists-say-2022-06-13/ |author=Djaffar Sabiti |work=Reuters |date=13 June 2022 |access-date=13 June 2022 |archive-date=13 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613090427/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/congo-rebels-seize-key-eastern-border-town-local-activists-say-2022-06-13/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="monitor3">{{cite news |title=Fresh fighting erupts in Bunagana |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/fresh-fighting-erupts-in-bunagana-3851364 |author=Robert Muhereza |work=Daily Monitor |date=17 June 2022 |access-date=13 June 2022 |archive-date=17 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617085252/https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/fresh-fighting-erupts-in-bunagana-3851364 |url-status=live }}</ref>
----
| combatant2 = {{flag|DR Congo}}<br />{{flagicon|United Nations}} [[MONUSCO]]
* {{flag|Pakistan}}<ref name="BBC 30 March" />
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**25th Battalion<ref name="monitor3" />
**35th Battalion<ref name="monitor3" />
| strength1 = Rebels:<br>100–200+ (March 2022)<ref name="politico" /><br>400+ (May 2022)<ref name="politico" /><br> 3,000+ (June 2024)<ref>{{cite web |title=S/2024/432 |url=https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n24/118/80/pdf/n2411880.pdf?token=cxiLV48yAnu1NioZpH&fe=true |website=United Nations |access-date=9 July 2024}}</ref><br />Rwanda:<br> {{circa}}
| strength2 = {{flagicon|DRC}} Unknown<br>{{flagicon|Kenya}} 900+<ref name="news24" /> <br> {{flagicon|South Sudan}} 750
| casualties1 = Unknown
| casualties2 = {{flagicon|DRC}} 1 helicopter shot down<br />{{flagicon|United Nations}} [[2022 MONUSCO helicopter crash|1 helicopter shot down]],<ref name="BBC 30 March" /> 9 killed{{efn|8 killed (6 Pakistanis, 1 Russian, 1 Serbian) during helicopter crash,<ref name="BBC 30 March" /> 1 Moroccan killed in ground combat with M23.<ref name="RadioOkapi 1 August" /> }}
| casualties3 = {{ubl|
*30,000 civilians displaced to Uganda<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welle (www.dw.com) |first=Deutsche |title=DR Congo accuses Rwanda of 'invasion' as rebels attack town {{!}} DW {{!}} 14.06.2022 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/dr-congo-accuses-rwanda-of-invasion-as-rebels-attack-town/a-62120212 |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=DW.COM |language=en-GB |archive-date=2022-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615140548/https://www.dw.com/en/dr-congo-accuses-rwanda-of-invasion-as-rebels-attack-town/a-62120212 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*
▲*72,000 displaced in total (as of May 27, 2022)<ref>{{cite web |title=Resurgent East Congo Violence Displaces 72,000 in One Week |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-05-27/resurgent-east-congo-violence-displaces-72-000-in-one-week |website=[[U.S. News & World Report]] |date=2022-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728214608/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-05-27/resurgent-east-congo-violence-displaces-72-000-in-one-week |archive-date=2022-07-28 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
| notes =
Line 70 ⟶ 69:
| image_size = 300px
}}
In late March 2022, the [[March 23 Movement]] (M23), supported by [[Rwanda]], launched an offensive in [[North Kivu]]
== Background ==
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From 19 to 22 June, clashes continued as M23 attempted to break through FARDC defense positions. At first, the rebels assaulted villages along the southern axis, but were repelled at Karambi, Kitagoma and Kitovu, Bweza, and Busanza. They subsequently focused on Bikenge, Ruvumu, Shangi, and Bukima, overrunning the villages before the FARDC organized a counter-attack. The military was able to retake most of these settlements, though Ruvumu, Buharo, and Rutokara reportedly remained rebel-held. Overall, the pro-government forces generally held their positions, but the rebel assaults increasingly threatened the Matebe-Rwanguba axis.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/21/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-les-combats-sintensifient-entre-les-fardc-et-m23-rutshuru |title=Nord-Kivu : les combats s'intensifient entre les FARDC et M23 à Rutshuru |work=RadioOkapi |date=21 June 2022 |access-date=22 June 2022 |archive-date=22 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622094946/https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/21/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-les-combats-sintensifient-entre-les-fardc-et-m23-rutshuru |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/22/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-13-civils-tues-par-les-bombes-lancees-par-le-m23-kisigari |title=Nord-Kivu : 13 civils tués par les bombes lancées par le M23 à Kisigari |work=RadioOkapi |date=22 June 2022 |access-date=23 June 2022 |archive-date=23 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623065500/https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/22/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-13-civils-tues-par-les-bombes-lancees-par-le-m23-kisigari |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]] reported that 17 civilians, including two children, had been [[summarily executed]] on 21 June by the M23 for suspected collaboration with the FARDC.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-25 |title=DR Congo: Resurgent M23 Rebels Target Civilians |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/07/25/dr-congo-resurgent-m23-rebels-target-civilians |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=Human Rights Watch |language=en |archive-date=2022-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725040402/https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/07/25/dr-congo-resurgent-m23-rebels-target-civilians |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the newspaper ''Eco News'', the FARDC reportedly inflicted a defeat on M23 at the Runyoni frontline around this time, wounding Sultani Makenga and killing another rebel commander, Colonel [[Yusuf Mboneza]].<ref name="RadioOkapi2" /> Mboneza's death was later disputed by pro-M23 sources.<ref name="umuseke" /> There was a lull in fighting from 24 to 27 June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/27/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-trois-jours-daccalmie-sur-les-lignes-de-front-rutshuru |title=Nord-Kivu : trois jours d'accalmie sur les lignes de front à Rutshuru |work=RadioOkapi |date=27 June 2022 |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630185638/https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/27/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-trois-jours-daccalmie-sur-les-lignes-de-front-rutshuru |url-status=live }}</ref> Combat resumed on 28 June, as rebels attacked FARDC positions at Bushandaba, Ruseke and the strategic hill of Bikona.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/28/actualite/securite/rdc-nouveaux-affrontements-entre-larmee-et-le-m23-rutshuru |title=RDC : nouveaux affrontements entre l'armée et le M23 à Rutshuru |work=RadioOkapi |date=28 June 2022 |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-date=29 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629162210/https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/28/actualite/securite/rdc-nouveaux-affrontements-entre-larmee-et-le-m23-rutshuru |url-status=live }}</ref> Pro-government forces, consisting of the military and police, counter-attacked, and retook the villages of Nkokwe, Ruvumu, Rugarama, Rutakara, Ntamugenga and Rutsiro.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/29/actualite/securite/rutshuru-les-fardc-reprennent-le-controle-de-4-villages-jadis-occupes |title=Rutshuru : les FARDC reprennent le contrôle de 4 villages jadis occupés par le M23 |work=RadioOkapi |date=29 June 2022 |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-date=29 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629171652/https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/29/actualite/securite/rutshuru-les-fardc-reprennent-le-controle-de-4-villages-jadis-occupes |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 June, the FARDC continued its advance, capturing Kabindi and Chengerero, though M23 militants countered by attacking Rutsiro.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/30/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-deux-villages-de-jomba-sous-controle-des-fardc |title=Nord-Kivu : deux villages de Jomba sous contrôle des FARDC |work=RadioOkapi |date=30 June 2022 |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630123409/https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/06/30/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-deux-villages-de-jomba-sous-controle-des-fardc |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 1 July, the FARDC claimed to had won a major victory over M23 and allied Rwandan troops after heavy fighting at Rutsiro, Ntamugenga and Nyabikona,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/07/01/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-les-fardc-affirment-avoir-neutralise-27-rebelles-m23 |title=Nord-Kivu : les FARDC affirment avoir " neutralisé 27 rebelles M23 " à Rutshuru |work=RadioOkapi |date=1 July 2022 |access-date=7 July 2022 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707133908/https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/07/01/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-les-fardc-affirment-avoir-neutralise-27-rebelles-m23 |url-status=live }}</ref> completely evicting the insurgents from the Bweza [[
In the following days, combat largely ceased in the Bweza and Jomba ''groupements'', but fighting erupted in the Kisigari ''groupement'' and at two important hills near Rumangabo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/07/15/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-5eme-jour-daccalmie-sur-les-lignes-de-fronts-rutshuru |title=Nord-Kivu : 5ème jour d'accalmie sur les lignes de fronts à Rutshuru |work=RadioOkapi |date=15 July 2022 |access-date=20 July 2022 |archive-date=20 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720130728/https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/07/15/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-5eme-jour-daccalmie-sur-les-lignes-de-fronts-rutshuru |url-status=live }}</ref> Heavy fighting also took place in the Bashali
[[File:Anti-MONUSCO protests in Goma in July 2022.png|thumb|left|[[Anti-MONUSCO protests]] in [[Goma]], July 2022. ]]
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In October 2023, the DRC ordered the EAC force in the country to leave by 8 December, due to a "lack of satisfactory results on the ground".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Congo orders regional peacekeepers to leave by December |url=https://apnews.com/article/congo-m23-rebels-east-african-peacekeeping-mission-65e3d72e57be636f1436a11ac29ac578 |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029184110/https://apnews.com/article/congo-m23-rebels-east-african-peacekeeping-mission-65e3d72e57be636f1436a11ac29ac578 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 26 October, the M23 rebels launched an offensive on Bambo, seizing the town.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-26 |title=Democratic Republic of Congo rocked by new M23 rebel offensive |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/10/26/democratic-republic-of-congo-rocked-by-new-m23-rebel-offensive_6206156_4.html |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Le Monde.fr |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028232619/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/10/26/democratic-republic-of-congo-rocked-by-new-m23-rebel-offensive_6206156_4.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Meanwhile, fighting continued to close in on the city of Goma, with clashes taking place 20 kilometers from the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Presse |first=AFP-Agence France |title=DR Congo Fighting Moves Close To Goma City |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/dr-congo-fighting-moves-close-to-goma-city-ea599a8f |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=www.barrons.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029183859/https://www.barrons.com/news/dr-congo-fighting-moves-close-to-goma-city-ea599a8f |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 4 February 2024, M23 seized the town of Shasha, severing a road linking Goma to outside areas- M23 subsequently seized the towns of Kihindo, Kituva, Bukobati, and Nyamubingwa, and was in control of the Goma-[[Minova]] road by 5 February. The fighting caused many civilians and the
On 20 June, Rwandan president [[Paul Kagame]] declared to [[France 24]], "we are ready to fight" against the DRC if necessary, while evading questions about Rwanda's military presence in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perelman |first=Marc |date=20 June 2024 |title=Tête à tête - Rwanda 'ready to fight' with DR Congo if necessary, President Paul Kagame says |trans-title=Rwanda 'ready to fight' with DR Congo if necessary, President Paul Kagame says |url=https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/t%C3%AAte-%C3%A0-t%C3%AAte/20240620-rwanda-s-president-paul-kagame-says-ready-to-fight-with-dr-congo-if-necessary |access-date=10 July 2024 |website=France 24 |language=en |publication-place=Paris, France |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710062221/https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/t%C3%AAte-%C3%A0-t%C3%AAte/20240620-rwanda-s-president-paul-kagame-says-ready-to-fight-with-dr-congo-if-necessary |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2024, a report commissioned by the [[United Nations Security Council|UN Security Council]] disclosed that between 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan military interventions and operations had been conducted in the [[Nyiragongo Territory|Nyiragongo]], [[Rutshuru Territory|Rutshuru]], and [[Masisi Territory|Masisi]] territories, collaborating with M23 rebels, with "Kigali exercising significant control over the rebel group's operations."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=8 July 2024 |title=Rwandan soldiers fighting with M23 rebels in DR Congo, says UN report |url=https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20240708-rwandan-soldiers-fighting-with-m23-rebels-in-dr-congo-says-un-report |access-date=10 July 2024 |website=France 24 |language=en |publication-place=Paris, France |archive-date=9 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709220618/https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20240708-rwandan-soldiers-fighting-with-m23-rebels-in-dr-congo-says-un-report |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 July 2024 |title=Uganda backed M23 in DRC, Rwanda's 'de facto control’ on group: UN experts |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/9/uganda-backed-m23-in-drc-rwandas-de-facto-control-on-group-un-experts |access-date=10 July 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |publication-place=Doha, Qatar}}</ref> The report estimated that by April, the number of Rwandan troops was "matching if not surpassing" the estimated 3,000 M23 soldiers. It includes authenticated photographs, drone footage, video recordings, testimonies, and intelligence substantiating the RDF's systematic border incursions.<ref name=":1" /> The evidence depicts rows of armed personnel in uniform, operating equipment such as artillery, armored vehicles with radar and anti-aircraft missile systems, and troop transport trucks.<ref name=":1" /> It also reveals that children as young as 12 were recruited from "nearly all refugee camps in Rwanda" by intelligence officers through false promises of payment or employment, only to be sent to training camps in the rebel-controlled zone under the supervision of Rwandan soldiers and M23 combatants.<ref name=":1" /> On August 5, Nearly a hundred officers of the Congolese national police fled to Uganda as fighting between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army intensified.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 August 2024 |title=Congolese police officers flee to Uganda as fighting intensifies |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/congolese-police-officers-flee-uganda-fighting-intensifies-2024-08-05/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Reuters |language=en |publication-place=Kampala, Rwanda}}</ref>
== Analysis ==
| |||