A relative lull has been observed for almost 72 hours in the fighting which shook the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo, in North Kivu. Clashes between the FARDC, supported by young patriots commonly known as “Wazalendo”, and the M23 rebels have temporarily stopped in Masisi territory. However, the presence of M23 rebels near Shasha remains a constant threat.
According to Télesphore Mitondeke, general rapporteur of civil society in Masisi, this is a precarious calm which does not guarantee total security. The rebels continue to position themselves on the surrounding hills, such as Ngingwe, Muremure and Kagano, with the aim of suffocating the city of Goma by disrupting supply routes.
In the Nyiragongo territory, a relative calm is also noted in the Kibumba-Buhumba region, which had recently been the scene of clashes between the FARDC and the M23 rebels. However, the increased presence of rebels coming from Nyiragongo territory towards Masisi remains worrying.
On the Kiwanja-Mabenga axis, in Rutshuru territory, traffic remains interrupted following fighting between the FARDC, the Wazalendo and the M23 rebels. The Congolese armed forces had taken control of the base abandoned by the EAC regional force in Mabenga, but the rebels regained control of the area. The security situation remains tense and access to Kanyabayonga is still compromised.
These developments come in a context where the American authorities welcomed the 72-hour ceasefire declared by the parties to the conflict. According to the White House, this ceasefire stems from confidence-building measures established during meetings between the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Avril Haines, Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda. The United States expressed support for this ceasefire and committed to monitoring the activities of armed forces and non-state armed groups during this period.
It is important to emphasize that the situation remains volatile and that the security of civilian populations remains precarious despite this relative calm. National and international actors must continue to work towards a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict in the North Kivu region. It is also essential to strengthen measures to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access to areas affected by the fighting. Only a collective approach can put an end to the suffering of the populations and promote stability in the region.