Recent clashes in the Kanune region of North Kivu between M23 rebels and the Congolese army have sent shockwaves through the local population. Since the early hours of Thursday, 19 December, the village of Kanune has been the scene of fierce fighting between rebels and regular military forces, supported by local armed groups.
Residents of the area reported hearing heavy gunfire from heavy and light weapons in the morning, indicating the seriousness of the situation. This latest clash comes shortly after the M23 rebels occupied the nearby town of Buleusa, marking an escalation of violence in the region.
The rebel takeover of Buleusa had an immediate impact on the population, who were forced to flee their homes en masse to escape the fighting. The villages of Buleusa, Kanune, Rusamambu and their surroundings have seen their inhabitants rush to safer places, while others have taken refuge in wooded areas to escape the atrocities.
In this context of humanitarian crisis, testimonies report looting perpetrated by armed individuals, who have taken valuable goods belonging to the inhabitants of the region. Even the equipment of the Buleusa Community Radio did not escape these acts of looting, leaving the population even more helpless in the face of the situation.
Beyond the material losses, these fightings have a profound impact on the local population, already weakened by years of conflict and insecurity. The deterioration of the situation in the region raises concerns about the authorities’ ability to protect civilians and guarantee a safe and peaceful environment for all inhabitants.
Faced with this new wave of violence, it is becoming urgent to find lasting solutions to put an end to the clashes and ensure the safety of the civilian population. Armed conflict cannot be a sustainable answer to the problems afflicting the region, and it is imperative to promote dialogue and reconciliation to build a more stable and peaceful future for all.