In a series of deadly attacks over the weekend, rebel groups claimed the lives of at least 21 people, according to local officials.
The M23 rebel group, identified by the United Nations as possibly linked to Rwanda, was involved in an attack in Bwito township, northeastern Congo, on Sunday, August 6.
That attack resulted in the death of 11 civilians.
The group’s influence in the region expanded after they captured Goma, eastern Congo’s significant city, around ten years ago, pressing for the enforcement of a 2009 peace treaty.
In another event in a northeastern province, 10 civilians were killed by rebels with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), believed to be associated with the Islamic State group.
The ongoing strife in eastern Congo, characterized by over 120 groups competing for mineral-rich territories, has led to frequent casualties and forced relocations.
The absence of government military support during this period was noted by local leader Jonas Pandanzi.
Victims from a previous attack on July 29 are yet to be laid to rest.
The ADF has been linked to multiple attacks targeting civilians in both eastern Congo and Uganda in recent years. A prior incident in June resulted in the deaths of 42 individuals, with a majority being students.
