Since October 1, clashes have intensified in the territories of Rutshuru, Nyiragongo and Masisi, pitting the M23 against pro-government Wazalendo fighters. The fighting was particularly concentrated in the Masisi territory, notably in the Mweso health zone, as well as in the Rutshuru territory.
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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
The scene takes place in the city of Kitchanga. Wearing a beret matching his green fatigues, one of the commanders of the so-called self-defense force has since addressed civilians still present in the city he has come to on a makeshift platform. to resume at M23 with his companions. The man asks for the cooperation of the population. He also calls for the support of the army to fight, he says, against the M23.
These so-called “self-defense” groups have conquered other villages in recent days. Until yesterday, these groups were fighting on several fronts. The clashes were particularly concentrated on the Burungu-Kilorirwe and Kitshanga-Mweso axis in Masisi territory, according to Ocha. Other fighting took place on the Mabenga-Kiwanja, Ishasha-Kiwanja and Rugarama-Kiwanja axis in Rutshuru territory.
According to humanitarian sources, since October 1 and the resurgence of armed violence in Masisi territory, at least 20 civilians have been killed and more than 30 others injured. More than 80,000 people were also forced to flee their homes in eight days, specify these UN sources.