Recent clashes between the M23 and Wazalendo forces continue to sow violence in the Bashali chiefdom, located in Masisi territory. Last Sunday, a series of violent battles led the M23 to reconquer several localities, including Burungu, Rushebeshi, Nyakabingu and Kabalekasha.
This escalation of violence is causing great concern, particularly with regard to the strategic locality of Mushaki, which, if it falls into the hands of the M23, would cut the road linking Goma to the territory of Masisi and Walikale. To counter this advance, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) jointly launched Operation “Springbok” in North Kivu. The peacekeepers work closely with the FARDC and the East African Community Force to protect the towns of Saké and Goma.
Despite efforts to restore stability, the situation remains tense and clashes continue to force hundreds of people to flee their homes. In October alone, more than 300,000 people were displaced, bringing the total number of people displaced in the country’s eastern regions to more than 6 million, according to U.N. humanitarian officials.
Faced with this humanitarian crisis, it is imperative to continue to raise awareness and mobilize the international community to help the affected populations. It is also crucial to find lasting political solutions to end this cycle of violence and bring peace to the North Kivu region.
In conclusion, the clashes between the M23 and the Wazalendo forces in the Bashali chiefdom demonstrate the fragility of the security situation in North Kivu. Priority must be given to the protection of civilians and the search for peaceful solutions to end armed conflicts. Only a global approach, involving the international community, local actors and humanitarian organizations, will be able to restore peace and stability in this tormented region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.