Fighting in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo persists, pitting M23 rebels against local armed groups. This upsurge in violence, which is part of a rise in tension in the region, is causing serious concern.
In the Masisi region, located in the east of the country, fighting has been raging for several days. The clashes are mainly concentrated around the town of Kitshanga, a crossing point between Saké, west of Goma, and Butembo, in the north of the province. The situation is extremely confusing, making it difficult to determine which camps are present and their territorial control.
This intensification of fighting led to population movements, with civilians fleeing towards Kitshanga and Mweso, while others took refuge in the surrounding hills. Local civil society also reports the arrival of M23 reinforcements from Rwanda, via the neighboring territory of Rutshuru.
It is important to emphasize that these fighting do not concern the Congolese armed forces, according to the words of Colonel Ndjike, spokesperson for the FARDC in North Kivu. The latter has also denounced on several occasions the violations of the ceasefire by the M23. The previous week, he had already accused the rebel group of positioning itself around Goma, the provincial capital.
This new outbreak of violence in the region raises concerns about the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The inhabitants of the region live in constant fear of armed clashes and the disastrous consequences on their daily lives. A peaceful and lasting resolution to this conflict is necessary to bring long-awaited stability to the region.