Fatshimetrie: M23 rebel advance towards Mambasa worries the population of North Kivu
The recent advance of M23 rebels towards the town of Mambasa, capital of the Bamate chiefdom in Lubero territory, North Kivu, is raising serious concerns among the inhabitants of the region. Intense fighting has been reported on the Alimbongo-Mambasa axis, resulting in the rebels, supported by Kigali, taking control of the town, while the Congolese army and Wazalendo auxiliaries have retreated to Ndoluma.
The situation is critical, and Mwami Sondoli Mukosasenge, chief of the Bamate chiefdom, confirms the presence of rebels in Mambasa. The inhabitants, witnessing the rapid advance of the fighters, express their concern about the growing insecurity in the region. A military reinforcement from Beni is heading towards Lubero, but the absence of fighting between Mambasa and Ndoluma does not allay the fears of the local populations.
Faced with the imminent threat, many villagers are fleeing the affected areas, heading towards safer destinations such as Kimpese, Kasugho, or Butembo via Lubero-centre. The risk of looting attributed to the Congolese armed forces is also fuelling the anxiety of the inhabitants, who are calling for effective protection from the authorities.
With the fall of Mambasa, the rebels are getting dangerously close to Butembo, the main commercial city of North Kivu, creating a climate of uncertainty and fear among civilians. The scenario of civil war is emerging with greater clarity, suggesting growing instability in the region.
The current situation reveals the vulnerability of local populations to the armed conflicts that periodically break out in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The international community must redouble its efforts to support stabilization and civilian protection efforts, to prevent further tragedies and work towards a more peaceful future in the region.
In this critical period, solidarity and cooperation between the different stakeholders are essential to address the current crisis and build the foundations for lasting peace in North Kivu and throughout the DR Congo.