The situation in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo is once again under tension, as violent fighting broke out between the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the M23 rebels around the town of Sake. Clashes began early on Thursday, May 30, with reports of the use of heavy weapons by both sides, fueling fears of an escalation of the conflict.
Information from the fighting zone indicates that the Congolese army has launched an offensive against the positions of the M23 rebels, who are suspected of receiving support from Rwanda. Artillery fire began at 5 a.m., coming from several strategic points, including Mungunga to the west of Goma and Minova-Bweremana to the south of Masisi.
Targets targeted by the army include the Vunano hills, overlooking the Sake-Kirotshe road, as well as rebel positions at “Three Antennas” of Kiuli and in the villages of Karuba and Mushaki. In response, the rebels responded by firing on military and civilian targets in Sake, causing some panic among residents who had to take refuge in their homes for protection.
Reports of civilians injured during the fighting, once again highlighting the tragic consequences of this escalation of violence. These clashes are all the more worrying as they occur only a few weeks after similar violence which led to the death of 35 civilians in the Mugunga displaced persons site.
In a context already weakened by years of armed conflict and interminable struggles, these new clashes highlight the need for concerted action to put an end to the violence and protect innocent civilians caught in the middle of this spiral of destruction. It is imperative that the international community intervene to encourage dialogue, mediation and the search for peaceful solutions in order to offer a more stable and secure future for the population of the North Kivu region.