Title: The M23 clashes in North Kivu: a worrying situation
Introduction :
Since the early morning of Wednesday July 5, 2023, violent clashes have erupted in North Kivu, pitting M23 rebels against self-defense groups in the territories of Masisi and Rutshuru. In recent days, the tension was palpable, but the fighting reached an alarming level. The situation is worrying and is causing a psychosis among civilians, leading to a massive displacement of populations to areas deemed more secure. In this article, we take stock of these clashes and their consequences on the population.
Front line in Masisi:
In the Masisi region, violence is particularly present on several axes. According to the Territorial Civil Society, the clashes are taking place on the Kilolirwe-Kanzenze, Ngajo-Kausa, Kibugu, Muheto-Nyamitaba and Nyakariba axes. The M23 rebels launched the offensive and reportedly succeeded in taking control of the locality of Kausa, in the Bashali-Kaembe groupement. This rebel presence, already reported for a few days, endangers the civilian populations living in the region.
Situation in Rutshuru:
In the territory of Rutshuru, the clashes are concentrated in the Tongo grouping, where several civilians have been murdered, according to local sources. The gratuitous violence and the massacres of civilians are a sad observation of this situation which has persisted for too long. The local populations live in fear and insecurity, with a lack of sufficient protection from the forces of order.
The request for the deployment of security forces:
Faced with this escalation of violence, the citizens’ movement “Vision Pour la Victoire du Peuple” deplores the inaction of the regional force of the EAC (East African Community) and calls for the urgent deployment of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo ( FARDC) and the Congolese National Police (PNC) in the areas concerned. The protection of innocent civilians must be an absolute priority in order to limit the massacres and preserve the lives of Congolese citizens.
Conclusion :
Clashes between the M23 and vigilante groups in North Kivu are a major source of concern. The violence raging in the territories of Masisi and Rutshuru endangers the civilian population and creates a climate of generalized insecurity. It is urgent that the security forces intervene to protect civilians and put an end to these deadly clashes. The situation also requires the intervention of the international community to find lasting solutions and promote peace in the region