Kampala, Uganda – The intensifying conflict between the Congolese army and M23 rebels has triggered a fresh wave of refugees and a mass exodus of security personnel into neighboring Uganda.
Nearly 100 Congolese police officers, armed with 43 guns, crossed the border into Uganda over the weekend, seeking refuge from the escalating violence. They joined an influx of over 2,500 Congolese civilians who have fled to Uganda in the past four days.
The Ugandan military has confirmed the arrival of the police officers and the growing refugee crisis, citing widespread violence and insecurity in eastern Congo as the primary reasons for the mass displacement.
The M23 rebellion, which has been active since 2022, has led to the displacement of over 1.7 million people in North Kivu province alone. The conflict has also drawn accusations of regional involvement, with the United Nations pointing fingers at both Uganda and Rwanda for supporting the Tutsi-led rebel group, allegations both countries deny.
The crisis has deepened as the Congolese army has ramped up its offensive against the M23, utilizing drones and aircraft. Despite these efforts, the rebel group has continued to expand its territory, recently capturing the strategic town of Kanyabayonga.
The situation in eastern Congo remains volatile, with the humanitarian crisis deepening by the day.
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