Heavy fighting between the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels and the Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers resumed on Friday in Masisi and Nyiragongo territories in North Kivu.
Heavy gunfire exchange happened in Rwindi, North western part of Rutshuru territory, and Kironko in Masisi territory, according to local sources.
The clashes caused massive displacement of locals. The DR Congo government did not release a statement about the latest fighting.
Lawrence Kanyuka, M23 rebels’ political spokesperson released a statement indicating that M23 fighters are defending themselves and protecting civilians.
“We strongly condemn the attacks perpetrated against civilian populations in densely populated areas in Rwindi and its surroundings by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime, in particular the FARDC, the FDLR, mercenaries, militias, the National Defense Forces of Burundi and the SADC Forces.
Currently, the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC) defends and protects civilian populations”, Kanyuka said in a statement.
During the lull in fighting, M23 rebels used the opportunity to hold a mega match in Nyngera, Rutshuru town as they presented more than 2,000 defects to Alliance Fleuve Congo -AFC (Congo River Alliance) and trained to act as administrators in areas under M23 conquest.
Alliance Fleuve Congo is a political-military alliance with M23 and other armed groups claiming to be fighting to restore peace in DR Congo. Coordinated by Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, who is also the DR Congo’s former Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) Chairman, newly trained were seen chanting M23’s liberation songs as they pledge commitment to the objectives of the rebel movement.
Last week FARDC also paraded more than 3,000 soldiers and were ready for deployment on the front in North Kivu province.
In March 2022, M23, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and General Sultan Makenga, initiated a conflict against the government. Since then, rebels have captured many areas in Rutshuru, Nyiragongo, and Masisi territories, North Kivu Province.
The government’s efforts and deployment of foreign troops under SADC are yet to prove positive results in recovering the areas from rebels. The DR Congo government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, although both Rwanda and M23 vehemently deny these claims.
The rebels assert that they are fighting against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the leadership of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
