The March 23 Movement (M23 rebels) has reportedly captured four additional positions as their conflict with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers and various militias united under the umbrella group “Wazalendo” (Patriots) escalates in North Kivu province.
Through their Military spokesperson, Major Willy Ngoma, the rebels state that intense fighting occurred on Sunday in Masisi territory, resulting in the seizure of Nyakabingu, Kabalekasha, Burungu, and Rushebeshe.
Ngoma also claims that M23 acquired various abandoned equipment from the FARDC and militia fighters.
The fighting prompted residents to flee to Kitchanga town, and traffic between Kitchanga and Goma city has been disrupted.
On Monday, fierce clashes continued in Kibumba and Buhumba in the Nyiragongo territory. Lieutenant Colonel Ndjike Kaiko Guillaume, the DRC army spokesperson for North Kivu province, reported that M23 initiated an attack in Kibaya and Kalake in the Virunga Park, west of Kibumba, with the aim of breaching a passage leading to Mutaho in the Kibati Groupement, approximately 12 kilometres from Goma city.
However, the M23 President, Bertrand Bisimwa, accused FARDC and their militia allies of launching the initial attack.
Bisimwa stated, “The negative coalition loyal to Kinshasa, including FDLR, FARDC, Mercenaries, and Reservists resumed attacks on Kibumba, Buhumba, and the surrounding areas on Monday, endangering the lives of the civilian populations defended by the ARC/M23.”
Lawrence Kanyuka, M23’s political spokesperson, also released a statement alleging that FARDC and the militia coalition initiated the attack.
Kanyuka expressed concerns about heavy bombings by FARDC, FDLR, mercenaries, reservists, and their allies in Kibumba, Buhumba, and their surrounding areas, causing a humanitarian crisis.
“We alert the international community of the humanitarian crisis caused by Mr. Tshisekedi,” said Kanyuka.
In March 2022, M23 rebels, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and General Sultan Makenga, initiated a conflict against the government.
The DR Congo government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, but both Rwanda and M23 strongly deny these allegations.
The rebels claim to be fighting against the DR Congo government due to issues such as corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination.