Recent news from the Kalonge region, located between the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Walikale in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Clashes have rocked the locality for the third consecutive day, pitting the M23 rebels against the Wazalendo volunteer militiamen. This escalation of violence has fueled an already palpable tension in the region.
The fighting broke out when the M23 launched an attack against the Wazalendo militiamen, who had regained control of Kalonge after it was taken by the rebels last Sunday. The intense exchanges of fire, both heavy and light weapons, have spread panic among the local population. The clashes continue, leaving an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the region.
The inhabitants, already tested by the recurring violence, are forced to flee once again, caught in the crossfire of the belligerents. This population, which had returned to Kalonge after the rebels left, is once again forced to leave their homes to seek refuge elsewhere. Constant displacement and accumulated trauma make the daily lives of the inhabitants extremely difficult.
This new violence seriously compromises the ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the crisis in eastern Congo. In the midst of a ceasefire, established last August at the request of Angola, the mediator of the conflict, this resurgence of clashes jeopardizes any prospect of peace. The Angolan government has also strongly condemned these acts of violence which threaten the stability of the region.
It is imperative that the stakeholders respect the ceasefire in force and engage constructively in peace talks. The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is already critical, any escalation of the conflict would only worsen the suffering of the civilian populations held hostage by this incessant fighting.
In conclusion, it is more necessary than ever for the international community to redouble its efforts to work towards a lasting resolution of the crisis in eastern Congo. It is time to put an end to this violence that only causes misery and destruction, and to work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for all the inhabitants of the Kalonge region.