Violent clashes between the M23 and local armed groups in Rutshuru, North Kivu.
This Monday, October 23, local sources reported violent clashes between M23 terrorists and fighters from local armed groups in the North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Exchanges of heavy weapon fire were heard in the hills of Kirumba and Kagando, in the Bambo groupement, located in Rutshuru territory.
The situation is worrying for residents of the region, who have had to flee their homes to take refuge in areas deemed more secure. Some found refuge in Kibirizi, Nyanzala and others in Kanyabayonga, south of Lubero.
According to information collected, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) left the area on Sunday, following the recapture of the city of Kitshanga by the M23, following fighting against local armed militias.
Fighting intensified throughout Sunday, killing at least three civilians and injuring five others. M23 terrorists also burned houses during search operations, forcing residents to move towards the base of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) or towards Mweso.
On Saturday morning, heavy weapon shooting was reported 6 km from Kitshanga, more precisely in the locality of Kizimba. The local armed groups that occupied Bishisha-center withdrew without a fight the same morning. This locality is located 15 km from Kitshanga, which was again occupied by M23 terrorists.
The security situation in the region remains unstable, and clashes between different armed groups continue to threaten the lives of civilians. Local authorities and law enforcement agencies must take urgent measures to restore security and peace in the Rutshuru region.