M23 Rebels Kill North Kivu Military Governor

M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have killed the military governor of North Kivu

M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have killed the military governor of North Kivu, continuing their advance on the regional capital, Goma.

General Peter Chirimwami, 58, died from wounds sustained on Thursday in the town of Sake, according to reports from local officials and military sources.

Chirimwami was overseeing military operations in the volatile region, which has seen escalating violence as M23 rebels press their offensive. The governor’s death marks a significant blow to the Congolese military amid growing concerns over the stability of North Kivu.

DRC Defense Force confirmed Chirimwami’s death, calling it “a tragic loss,” and vowed to continue efforts to repel the rebel forces. “We will not stop fighting for our people and our land,” the army wrote in a statement “His sacrifice will not be in vain.”

The M23 rebels, largely composed of ethnic Tutsi fighters, have been clashing with government forces in the region for months, exacerbating tensions and displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians.

Chirimwami’s death comes as M23 rebels push closer to Goma, a strategic city on the border with Rwanda. The situation remains fluid, with fears growing over the potential for further violence in the already unstable region.