The clashes between AFC/M23, FARDC, and Wazalendo groups have caused significant damage in several localities of Masisi territory in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to a communiqué published on Monday, September 28, by the civil society organization Forces vives de Masisi, several civilians have been killed or injured, and populations have been displaced. The organization reports that some civilians were killed in kamikaze drone attacks, while others were hit by stray bullets.
The Rapporteur general of Forces vives de Masisi, Télesphore Mithondeke, has called for investigations to establish responsibilities and urged parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law. He reported that on the Kaleta-Bitoyi axis, in the Ufamandu II group, a drone strike killed a woman and a child. Additionally, clashes on Saturday and Sunday on Kikonda hill, near Nyabiondo, left two women injured by gunfire in the village of Kahutu, including one who was pregnant.
Télesphore Mithondeke also reported that clashes in Burungu, in the Bashali chiefdom, resulted in the deaths of eight civilians. The violence has disrupted school activities in several entities of Masisi territory. The civil society organization has reported massive displacements of populations and a deterioration in the humanitarian situation. The situation remains tense in several localities of Masisi and Walikale, following drone attacks attributed to AFC/M23.
In Botoyi, in Masisi territory, local sources report at least four civilians killed and one person seriously injured. In Pinga, in Walikale territory, an school was destroyed near the local airfield. The military authorities had not yet reacted to the information reported by the civil society at the time of publication.
According to the civil society, eight civilians were hit by stray bullets, and several others were killed or injured in drone attacks. The organization has condemned the killing of civilians and called for an end to the violence. The clashes have caused significant damage to infrastructure and have disrupted the lives of local populations.
The situation in Masisi and Walikale territories remains volatile, with populations living in fear of further attacks. The civil society has urged the parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and to protect civilians. The organization has also called for humanitarian assistance to be provided to those affected by the violence.
The clashes in Masisi are part of a larger conflict in the region, with various groups vying for control. The situation requires a peaceful and sustainable solution to protect civilians and restore stability to the region. Key points: clashes between AFC/M23, FARDC, and Wazalendo groups have caused significant damage in Masisi territory; civilians have been killed and injured in drone attacks and stray bullets; the situation remains tense, with populations displaced and humanitarian situation deteriorating.
Key points
- The clashes have caused significant damage in several localities of Masisi territory in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Civilians have been killed and injured in drone attacks and stray bullets.
- The situation remains tense, with populations displaced and humanitarian situation deteriorating.
