Violent clashes broke out this Wednesday between the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23 rebels in Sake, located about twenty kilometers from the city of Goma, in North Kivu. The fighting was launched with the aim of regaining control of several strategic hills and reopening essential roads for supplying local populations.
According to witnesses on site, regular forces as well as local “Wazalendo” fighters jointly launched the assault against the M23 rebels. The clashes impacted the daily lives of the residents of Sake, forcing them to stay at home due to gunfire and explosions.
Local authorities and humanitarian actors are working to reassure the displaced population, which represents more than 2 million people in the North Kivu province. These internally displaced people live in precarious conditions, lacking adequate food and health care. Every day, lives are lost due to the lack of humanitarian assistance.
In this context of persistent conflict, the situation remains tense and uncertain. The efforts of the FARDC and other actors engaged in restoring peace face many challenges. Let us hope that the rapid resolution of these clashes will allow the displaced populations to regain a semblance of stability.