Local ground reports indicate that new fighting kicked off in early Morning Monday between M23 fighters and the FARDC-Wazalendo coalition.
The fighting is taking place on several axes in the chiefdom of Bwito (territory of Rutshuru) in North Kivu.
According to the deputy delegate of the governor in the chiefdom of Bwito, Isaac Kibira, blasts of heavy weapons are being heard even in the strategic city of Nyanzale.
Many residents have been forced to flee towards Kibirizi, for some, and Kanyabayonga and surrounding areas, for others.
“Clashes have been also reported on the Katsiru-Nyanzale axis, particularly in the villages of Luve, Kiyeye and surrounding areas. There are bombs falling not far from the MONUSCO base in Kihondo. Also in Kasoko. Blasts of heavy weapons are being heard as far away Nyanzale, causing massive displacements of populations. People are heading to Kikuku,” he said.
“On the Bambo axis, passing through Mbuti, Ngoroba, there are also reported attacks. Other fronts are reported on the Kishishe-Kirima axis and in Lushebere. The population of Kirima and Kasharima fled and headed towards Kibirizi. The majority of the population have taken refuge in the bush, in the high mountains of Mutanda,” according to an account by Isaac Kibira, deputy delegated official of the governor in the chiefdom of Bwito.
According to the same source, another front is reported on the Mabenga-Rwindi axis, more precisely at the Mabenga bridge, on the RN2.
“It was elements of the M23 who started attacks, from Kishishe, dropping bombs towards Ngoroba and Kirima,” added Mr. Kibira.
Local civil society confirmed these clashes which are causing further displacement of populations. Mbay Mkayanga Muviri, its president in the Mutanda grouping, where the fighting is more intense.”
“There are clashes taking place in the Mutanda group and its surroundings. These clashes pit the FARDC-Wazalendo coalition against the M23 rebels. The populations are fleeing. Several socio-economic activities have been suspended. Schools in several villages in the Mutanda group have closed. The advance of the enemies aim to capture other localities in Rutshuru. We ask, however, all Congolese and the government to support our defense forces,” said Mbay Mkayanga Muviri, president of the civil society of the Mutanda group.
