Bess fires DR Congo

Why is fighting raging in eastern Congo despite a cease-fire agreement?

Fighting is raging in eastern Congo despite the government signing a cease-fire agreement with the M23 rebels. Civilians are trapped in a violent spiral involving M23 rebels, SADC troops and other militia groups. Clashes between Congolese government forces and the M23 rebel group are continuing in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Did protesters burn tyres in Kinshasa?

Protesters set fire to US flags and burned tyres in front of embassies in Kinshasa. Pic: Reuters US and Belgian flags have been burned by protesters - who also set alight tyres as they targeted Western embassies in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds in central Kinshasa on Monday.

What's happening in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo?

Clashes between Congolese government forces and the M23 rebel group are continuing in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They are edging closer to densely populated areas between Lake Edward and north of Lake Kivu, relatively close to the borders of Rwanda and Uganda.

What is happening in the eastern DRC?

Instability in the eastern DRC, which started in the mid-1990s, has led to nearly six million deaths. More than 120 militia and armed rebel groups roam the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika. Many of these rebels commit atrocities and violations against civilians, according to the UN.

Why were protesters gathered at the United Nations embassy in DRC?

Despite security being stepped up after U.N. staff and vehicles were attacked on Saturday, groups of protesters gathered at the U.S. and French embassies and the offices of the United Nations mission in the DRC known as MONUSCO.

Does Rwanda have troops in eastern Congo?

Rwanda denies the claim but, in February, admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a build-up of Congolese forces near the border. Observers say Rwanda wants to exert influence over the vast eastern DRC region for economic and security reasons.