M23 Seize town in eastern Congo, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals.

The M23 rebel group has taken control of the town of Nyanzale in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 15 individuals in bomb attacks, according to local officials.

Nyanzale, situated approximately 130 kilometers north of the provincial capital Goma, has been overrun by the M23 rebels, exacerbating the ongoing turmoil in the region.

The town is a refuge for thousands of internally displaced people who have fled the conflict in surrounding areas.

Isaac Kibira, a deputy to the governor in the nearby town of Bambo, reported that the death toll has risen to 15, with victims being killed by indiscriminate bomb attacks launched by the M23.

Ten people were tragically killed in one house alone, while others were found deceased throughout the city.

M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma’s post on X late Tuesday suggested that the rebels had successfully gained control of Nyanzale, proclaiming a sense of “tranquility and deliverance” in the town.

Congolese army commander Jerome Chico Tshitambwe confirmed the capture, acknowledging that the M23 had indeed seized control of Nyanzale.

The M23, a Tutsi-led group, has escalated its campaign in eastern Congo this year. Despite denials from Rwanda, UN experts and Western powers such as the United States and France assert that the group receives support from Rwanda.

In response to the escalating conflict, the European Union has urged dialogue between Congo and Rwanda to address the root causes of the conflict.

The EU emphasized the importance of a political solution to bring an end to the violence.

The situation has led to further displacement, with approximately 100,000 individuals fleeing Nyanzale in recent days, as reported by the UN humanitarian agency OCHA.

The region remains in a state of instability, with the need for urgent action to mitigate the impact on civilians and restore peace.