Balanced News: Eastern DRC: Residents flee as M23 rebels reach town of Bambo

Residents in the town of Bambo, north of Goma in the eastern DR Congo, have fled as M23 rebels launched a new offensive. The rebels, who have captured territory in North Kivu province since 2021, are fighting pro-government armed groups. Mortar fire and automatic weapon rounds were heard on the outskirts of Bambo, prompting panic among the residents. Thousands of people fled north to reach government-controlled areas, with many unsure of the whereabouts of their loved ones. The conflict between the M23 and government militias has intensified around Goma, with almost 200,000 people displaced since October 1.