Lubero, DRC – The Congolese army has issued a stern directive for deserters to rejoin their units within 12 hours, following a surge of gunfire and looting by rogue soldiers in Lubero, a town in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The unrest erupted after Congolese troops fled clashes with the advancing M23 rebels, who are reportedly backed by Rwanda.
The latest developments highlight the growing disarray within the Congolese armed forces as they struggle to counter the M23’s aggressive offensive. The rebel group has already seized control of key eastern cities, raising concerns over a wider regional conflict.
Army Struggles to Maintain Order
A statement from the military command in North Kivu province ordered retreating soldiers in Lubero to return to their posts immediately and warned all troops against engaging in theft or other illegal activities. According to Congolese army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge, fighting has continued for the past 72 hours in southern Lubero territory, intensifying pressure on government forces.
Residents of Lubero reported chaotic scenes on Thursday morning, describing bursts of gunfire and widespread looting at the town’s central market and shops.
"It’s complete turmoil in Lubero. Shots can be heard... Soldiers are running in all directions," said one resident, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.
Later in the day, Lubero’s military administrator, Alain Kiwewa, stated that order had been restored and blamed the unrest on a small group of undisciplined soldiers who had spread panic among civilians.
Army Retreat from Bukavu Raises Further Concerns
The situation in Lubero is part of a broader military crisis in eastern Congo. Over the weekend, the Congolese army suffered a disorderly retreat from Bukavu, the provincial capital of neighboring South Kivu, after M23 forces pushed into the city. The withdrawal led to violent clashes between the army and allied militias that had refused to surrender.
The escalation has drawn alarm from regional and international stakeholders. In response to the deepening crisis, the United States imposed sanctions on a Rwandan government minister and a senior M23 commander on Thursday, citing their alleged roles in fueling the conflict.
Congo Accuses Rwanda of Proxy War
Tensions between Congo and Rwanda have continued to rise, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of using the M23 as a proxy force to exploit Congo’s vast mineral wealth, including gold and coltan—key resources used in smartphone and computer production. Rwanda, however, denies these allegations, insisting it is defending itself against Hutu militias that it claims are fighting alongside the Congolese army.
Congo Launches Solidarity Fund for the Military
Amid the escalating conflict, Congo’s finance ministry announced the launch of a solidarity fund on Thursday, allowing citizens, companies, and organizations to donate directly to support the army’s efforts in the eastern front. The move underscores the financial strain of the three-year insurgency, which has seen M23 seize large swathes of territory and key mining areas.
The latest offensive has reignited long-standing tensions over power, ethnic rivalries, and resource control—conflicts that trace back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. As the M23 continues its rapid advance, the Congolese government faces mounting pressure to stabilize its military and prevent further territorial losses.
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