In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), clashes have resumed between March 23 Movement (M23) rebels and pro-government armed groups, known as Wazalendo. These fighting took place in the Masisi region, located in the province of North Kivu.
On November 6, a violent confrontation took place between the M23 and the Congolese army near the town of Kibumba, about twenty kilometers from Goma. These clashes led to a significant power cut, plunging a large part of the capital of North Kivu into darkness.
The Virunga Energie company also reported damage to its medium voltage line due to fighting between the M23 and the Congolese army. This situation has had considerable consequences for homes as well as hospitals in the region, as the area is currently inaccessible due to the clashes that have been taking place there for two weeks.
In Masisi, northwest of Goma, calm has returned after clashes between the M23 and the pro-government armed militias, the Wazalendo, in several villages in the region. However, the leader of civil society in Masisi, Téléphore Vitombeke, fears that the rebellion will progress to the locality of Mushaki, which would cut off traffic between the capital of the territory and the city of Goma, as is the case. was already produced a few months ago.
In addition, the M23 accuses the Burundian forces of the EAC contingent, present in the region, of having participated in the recent fighting, in violation of the ceasefire concluded last March in Nairobi and Luanda.
This resumption of fighting in the Masisi region demonstrates the fragility of the security situation in eastern DRC and the difficulties encountered in achieving lasting stability in this troubled region.
It is essential that the Congolese authorities and the international community redouble their efforts to put an end to this violence and find a peaceful and lasting solution to this conflict. Local populations have suffered the consequences of these clashes for too long, and there is an urgent need to put in place adequate security measures to protect civilians and restore peace in the region.