Clashes have resumed in the Rutshuru region, in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since 1 a.m. this Saturday, October 21, violent fighting has pitted local armed groups against the M23 rebel movement.
After a few days of relative calm, tension rose again in the region. According to local sources, the local armed groups which occupied the center of Bishusha withdrew without offering resistance to the M23 rebels. This situation led to the rebels taking control of Bishusha, located 15 km from Kitshanga.
The population of the region lives in fear and panic, particularly in Kizimba, where heavy weapon fire is heard. This situation pushes some residents to flee the town of Kitshanga in the territory of Masisi. Some are heading towards the MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo) base and the African Union (EAC) camp, while others are heading towards Mweso. The progression of the M23 rebels in this region is at the origin of this flight, local sources report.
These recent clashes between local armed groups and the M23 underline the persistence of tensions in this part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The civilian population remains exposed to violence and lives in a constant climate of insecurity. The situation requires increased attention from authorities and international actors in order to find a lasting solution to this crisis.
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