‘More than 100,000 people have been displaced in Masisi territory following the continued clashes between the M23 and the Congolese army,’ says UN humanitarian coordinator for Congo.

The UN humanitarian coordinator for Congo expressed concern Friday at the large number of people displaced in North Kivu province due to recently intensified clashes between the army and rebels.

“Since January 1, 2025, more than 100,000 people have been displaced in Masisi territory following the continued clashes between the M23 and the Congolese army,” the official said in a statement.

Bruno Lemarquis expressed disappointment at the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in North Kivu and urged respect for international humanitarian law.

More than 2.8 million people are already displaced in North Kivu, more than one-third of the population of the province.

The M23 rebel group recently intensified clashes in the eastern Congo seizing key towns such as Katale and Masisi forcing many to flee their homes.

There are dozens of rebel groups operating in eastern Congo, but the M23 rebels whose fighters are said to be mainly ethnic Tutsis are the most prominent.

The statement said the violence also targets those in displaced persons sites, in violation of the civilian nature of the sites.

“Humanitarian staff also pay a heavy price. The year 2024 was particularly deadly, with 9 humanitarian workers killed and more than 400 incidents directly targeting humanitarian actors and their operations,” it said.

Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim that Rwandan President Paul Kagame has frequently denied.

The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in October that 7 million people were internally displaced in Congo due to the conflict and disasters.

About 6 million people have been killed in conflicts in Congo since 1996, according to reports. Anadolu Agency 

President of the Republic , Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Mr. Brahim Ghali, arrived Saturday in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, to take part in the extraordinary summit of the African Union on the future of agriculture on the continent.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, the President of the Republic was welcomed by Ugandan officials, led by Mr. Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries of Uganda, where he was presented with a ceremonial salute by formations of the Ugandan Republican Guard.

The Summit focuses on strategies in the agricultural sector to achieve self-sufficiency for the continent's population in order to reduce poverty and create job opportunities. Sahara Press Service

The operation was conducted at House No. 53 on Chalbi Drive, Lavington, which investigators identified as the hub for the syndicate’s activities. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have busted a gold scamming syndicate operating in Nairobi, arresting 14 suspects linked to a $1.35 million fraud that defrauded an American businessman.

The operation was conducted at House No. 53 on Chalbi Drive, Lavington, which investigators identified as the hub for the syndicate’s activities.

The suspects allegedly used the premises to facilitate a fraudulent transaction involving a purported 2,820 kilograms of gold between March and May 2024.

The arrested individuals include Ronald Osonga Khejiria, Emmanuel Wafula Thatcher, Willy Kiplimo Metto, Sharon Achieng Ouma, Tracey Achieng, Luck Bahaya Butelezi, Willis Odhiambo Koyi, Erina Notoila Gitau, Edgar Wafula Odinga, Patrick Kariuki Mahugu, Denis Osoo, Boniface Nemesis Waswa, John Michugu Gathaira, and Eliud Wachira Githaiga.

During the raid, detectives seized crucial evidence, including documents, files, stamps, and seals allegedly used to dupe victims.

This operation follows the earlier arraignment of two suspects, Eric Kalala Mukendi and Antonucci Sergio Patrick, who were also linked to the scam. Their case is set for mention on January 23, 2025, at the Milimani Law Courts.

The 14 suspects are currently undergoing processing and will be arraigned on Monday. Recovered exhibits have been documented as investigations continue to dismantle the syndicate and seek justice for the victims.

The DCI has reiterated its commitment to combating organized crime, particularly schemes targeting unsuspecting individuals both locally and internationally. Editorial / Capital News