Heavy clashes have broken out in the Masisi territory of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, between government forces, supported by the Wazalendo militia, and M23 rebels. The fighting, which started early on Monday, October 5, has been reported in several areas, including the Ufamandu Ier groupement. Local sources confirm that the clashes began at 5 am in the Bahunde chiefdom, south of Masisi. This latest escalation comes days after government forces and Wazalendo militia recaptured Remeka and several nearby localities.
According to local sources, the Wazalendo militia, allied with the government forces under the command of Jams Mutayomba and Noah Maachano, have made significant gains. They claim to have recaptured several positions previously held by M23 rebels. The localities of Nyakigano, Nkokwe, and Kashovu, near Kasake, have been cited as examples. Additionally, another group of Wazalendo fighters has reportedly taken control of the villages of Changayi, Ruseme, and Kasheke. The situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports on the control of these areas.
Fighting has also been reported in the Nyamaboko Ier groupement, in the Osso Banyungu sector. The clashes in Masisi come on the heels of new fighting in the neighboring Kalehe territory, South Kivu, on Sunday. Sources close to the Congolese army claim that Wazalendo fighters have recaptured several villages in the Ziralo groupement, including Katale, Shanje, and Chambombo, near Lumbishi. However, independent verification of these claims is not possible at this time.
The military situation in North and South Kivu remains highly volatile. The humanitarian situation is also causing concern, with reports of displacement and disruption of daily life in areas affected by the fighting. In Masisi, the local civil society has reported significant displacement of populations and disruptions to daily life in several entities affected by the clashes.
The recent clashes have sparked fears among local populations, leading to displacement in areas such as Ngungu, Rubaya, and Katoyi, which remain under M23 rebel control. The Wazalendo militia, a loose coalition of local self-defense groups, has been fighting alongside government forces against M23 rebels and other armed groups in the region. Their role in the conflict has been significant, with some areas reportedly falling under their control.
The conflict in eastern DRC has been ongoing for decades, with various armed groups vying for control of the region. The M23 rebels, who have been active in the area since 2012, have been accused of numerous human rights abuses and are considered a major threat to regional stability. Efforts to broker a peace agreement have been ongoing, but the situation remains fragile.
In a positive development, 29 M23 rebels have surrendered to government forces and Wazalendo militia in North Kivu over the past four days. This could be a significant step towards reducing tensions in the region. However, the situation on the ground remains complex, and continued fighting is likely to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
Key points
- The Wazalendo militia has made significant territorial gains in Masisi, North Kivu, in recent days.
- The conflict in eastern DRC has caused significant displacement and disruption to daily life.
- The situation in the region remains highly volatile, with continued fighting likely to worsen the humanitarian crisis.
