Some civilians have been caught in crossfire as fierce battles erupted on Monday between M23 rebels and Wazalendo in different villages in Kalehe territory, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. The clashes have caused widespread panic among the civilian population, with many forced to flee their homes.
Though the fighting began on Monday, it escalated to more regions on Tuesday, with reports of gunfire and explosions heard in several villages, including Bushaku, Katale, Kafufula, and Lemera. The clashes have resulted in a significant displacement of civilians, with many seeking refuge in nearby towns and villages.
“The situation is complicated and confusing in several places of Kalehe territory. Yesterday, the Wazalendo dislodged the M23 in Bushaku and the population feared seeing them go right down to the principal road to clash with the M23”, a local source told HumAngle.
The violence has also disrupted education, with school children being sent home due to the fear of the unknown. Similarly, it resulted in looting and property damage, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
The clashes come days after the M23 rebels appointed administrators for territories in South Kivu, including Kalehe territory. The territory is now led by Buseye Jean Bosco as administrator and Ndaye Faustin as his assistant.
Fierce battles erupted between M23 rebels and Wazalendo in Kalehe territory, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, causing civilian casualties and widespread panic as many were forced to flee.
The conflict, initially starting on Monday, escalated with gunfire and explosions reported in several villages, leading to significant civilian displacement to nearby areas.
The clashes, ongoing in areas like Bushaku and Katale, have disrupted schooling and resulted in looting and property damage, severely impacting the civilian population. The violence follows the M23’s appointment of administrators in South Kivu, intensifying concerns over further territorial disputes.