A fiece battle has erupted between March 23 (M23) rebels and soldiers of the DR Congo army in the Masisi territory of North Kivu, on Friday, Jan. 3.
Local sources told HumAngle that the first explosions occurred around 4:00 a.m. in two areas, Ndumba hill, approximately three kilometres from Central Bweremana, and Maoma, a nearby locality about four kilometres from Bweremana.
“There have been clashes since 4 a.m. between M23 rebels and FARDC soldiers who are supported by the Wazalendos. The situation is very complicated here and people are living in fear. Everybody fears for his or her life,” said a Bweremana resident who spoke under anonymity because of fear.
The development has also led to massive displacement of armless residents. Meanwhile, civil society organisations have urged authorities to support security forces with manpower and ammunition.
Despite the tense situation, the Congolese military authorities are yet to make any statement on the security challenges in Masisi territory in the last three days.
A fierce battle erupted between M23 rebels and DR Congo army soldiers in the Masisi territory of North Kivu on January 3rd.
The conflict began with explosions around 4:00 a.m. in the Ndumba hill and Maoma areas, leading to fear and confusion among local residents.
The clashes have caused significant displacement of residents, while civil society organizations are calling for increased support for security forces. Despite the ongoing turmoil, Congolese military authorities have not yet made any public statements regarding the security issues in the region.