fighting intensifies in the east between Congolese forces and M23 rebels

fighting intensifies in the east between Congolese forces and M23

Violence continues in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where M23 fighters, supported by the Rwandan army according to the UN, confront the Congolese army supported by pro-government Wazalendo militias. In recent days, the fighting has intensified, leading to numerous displacements of populations, notably on Friday May 31, when the clashes were particularly violent on two axes.

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi

First there is the town of Sake, located about 27 kilometers from Goma. THE fighting continued, for the second consecutive day, in the surrounding hills, causing the evacuation of the population. The armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) say they are responding to M23 attacks.

The day before, during clashes, at least 13 South African soldiers from the SADC force were injured and one was killed. Logistically, two armored vehicles of the force were damaged, according to South African army reports.

On the same axis, the FARDC has been carrying out an offensive for several days around Bweremana, a town located approximately 50 km from Goma. Clashes were intense on two strategic hills overlooking Bweremana and Minova. According to local sources, these are the hills of Ndumba and Kashungamutwe, located respectively 2 and 5 km from Bweremana.

Another front of fighting is developing around the rural commune of Kanyabayonga, which remains under the control of the Congolese army. This town, located around 150 kilometers from Goma, hosts tens of thousands of displaced people. Residents are worried about the movements of the M23, which would be “ positioned about ten kilometers south of Kanyabayonga “.

Meanwhile, peace processes have stalled between Kinshasa and Kigali.

Read alsoDRC: Ituri civil society calls for an end to the state of siege in the East

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