Kinshasa: The M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday captured Nyabibwe, a city in the eastern province of South Kivu, according to local media. The seizure occurred despite the Alliance Fleuve Congo, which includes M23, declaring a unilateral ceasefire starting Tuesday due to humanitarian concerns after taking control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, last week.

According to Anadolu Agency, intense fighting broke out between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army early Wednesday, as reported by the local news website Actualite.cd. Nyabibwe, strategically located between Goma and Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu, was captured by M23, confirmed by an official from Kalehe territory in South Kivu. Attempts to reach M23 for a statement were met with a response from a spokesman who indicated he would comment later.

Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, speaking to South African broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, emphasized the need for 'concrete action' supported by evidence to ensure the ceasefire is not merely a 'cosmetic fix.' The World Health Organization noted that over 900 people have died in Goma over the past two weeks due to the ongoing conflict between rebels and government forces. At least 20 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the eastern Congo since last week, including 14 South Africans. Thousands have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in neighboring Rwanda, including personnel from the UN and World Bank.

In a related development, Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday instructed the commander of the Malawi Defense Forces to prepare for the withdrawal of Malawian troops serving as peacekeepers in eastern Congo. The decision aims to honor the ceasefire declaration by warring parties and facilitate planned negotiations for lasting peace in the region. Malawi, a contributor of peacekeeping troops to eastern Congo as part of the SADC bloc, recently lost three soldiers in Goma during clashes with M23 rebels.