Fatshimetrie
Violent clashes broke out on Thursday, November 7 in Kanyabuki, in the Nyiragongo territory, in North Kivu. The fighting pits M23 rebels supported by the Rwandan army against the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and Wazalendo fighters. According to witnesses on the spot, M23 troops launched a surprise attack on FARDC and Wazalendo positions, prompting an immediate response from the latter.
The exchange of fire caused the temporary suspension of traffic on National Road No. 2, near Kibumba, leaving many users caught in the middle of this conflict zone. “The M23 terrorists and the Rwandan army launched assaults on our positions in Kanyabuki. The FARDC and Wazalendo reacted with the necessary firmness. “Road traffic had to be interrupted for security reasons,” said Thierry Gasisiro, technical rapporteur for Nyiragongo civil society.
For the time being, the Congolese army has not yet officially communicated on these new clashes taking place in the north of the city of Goma. However, these clashes come shortly after the launch of the reinforced ad-hoc verification mechanism of the Luanda process in Goma. This mechanism aims to find a way out of the crisis generated by the conflict with the M23.
Local civil society vigorously denounces the violation of the ceasefire by Rwanda and the M23 rebels. It calls on the Congolese State to take concrete measures to end this destructive war that weighs heavily on the population.
At the same time, other conflict zones remain tense in the region. Clashes were recently reported in Kahira, in the Masisi territory, as well as in several other localities across the province. People in the regions affected by this violence live in fear and uncertainty, as armed groups continue to fight for control of territories.
In this context of persistent violence, it is crucial that the Congolese authorities take rapid and effective measures to protect civilians and restore peace in the North Kivu region. Local populations aspire to security and stability, and it is the duty of the authorities to do everything possible to meet their expectations and put an end to this devastating spiral of violence.