The city of Kitshanga, located in the territory of Masisi in North Kivu, is today the scene of a relative lull after violent fighting between the M23 rebels and local armed groups. The residents, traumatized by these recurring clashes, are trying to resume normal life despite palpable tension.
Last Sunday, fighting raged for nearly 15 hours, pitting local fighters and M23 rebels against each other. The clashes were concentrated around the town of Bwiza, where many displaced people found refuge. Unfortunately, the fighting has spilled over from this area, endangering the population of the City of Kitshanga.
Civil society in Masisi deplores the humanitarian consequences of these repeated clashes in the region. Massive population displacements and the resulting violence create a worrying situation for the residents of Kitshanga.
Despite a precarious lull, the situation remains tense and many residents have chosen to move to the town of Mwesso to escape the violence. Some of the displaced people who had taken refuge near the MONUSCO base in Kitshanga were able to return to their homes on Sunday evening.
However, control of Kitshanga remains in the hands of local armed groups, which maintains an atmosphere of tension in the region. Residents live in constant fear of new clashes and further disruptions to their already precarious daily lives.
It is essential that security measures be put in place to prevent such incidents and protect civilian populations. Concerted work between local authorities, MONUSCO and humanitarian actors is necessary to guarantee security and offer a more stable future to the population of Kitshanga.
It is time for peace and stability to return to this region of North Kivu, so that residents can rebuild their lives in peace.