On Tuesday night, M23 rebels accused the Congolese army of allegedly killing civilians in the Tongo Groupement of Rutshuru territory, in North Kivu province.
According to local sources, the incident took place in Bungushu village, situated between the localities of Rushege and Rushovu. On Wednesday, locals discovered the bodies of 12 individuals.
A resident in the area, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity due to the insecurity in the region, revealed that among the deceased were children and pregnant women.
Some victims were reportedly killed with bullets, while others were attacked with bladed weapons. Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 Political spokesperson, released a brief statement on Wednesday afternoon, condemning the killings and placing blame on the DRC government forces.
“The M23 condemns with the strongest terms the killings of our compatriots last night, July 4th, 2023, in Bungushu, Tongo general area by the DRC Government Forces.
We, hereby, remind the public at large that our compatriots are abandoned to themselves and are being slaughtered every day, looted, and destruction of their properties by the DRC Government is supposed to protect them and their belongings,” said Kanyuka in a statement.
Kanyuka also expressed concern about the ongoing violence against locals in Masisi, Bwito, and surrounding areas, accusing the DRC Government Forces of committing these acts with little attention from the international community, the media, and humanitarian organizations.
As of now, the DR Congo army has not commented on the incident. Meanwhile, local sources report ongoing fighting between the M23 rebels and a militia coalition in Masisi territory.
Gunfire exchanges have been witnessed in Muyange towards Rusinga, approximately 1 kilometer from Kausa.
The conflict has also erupted along Gandjo road towards Muheto, specifically in Nyamitaba of Masisi territory.
Despite the presence of troops from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan in Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo territories under the EAC regional forces, the area has yet to achieve lasting peace.
Fighting between militia groups and M23 rebels continues, particularly in areas where Kenyan, South Sudanese and Burundian troops are deployed.
The M23 launched an offensive against the DR Congo government, primarily targeting the North Kivu province, in March 2022. While the DR Congo government accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23, both Rwanda and the M23 deny these allegations.
The rebels claim to be fighting against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination in the DR Congo leadership.