North-Kivu: the army and the M23 clash in Rutshuru near the RN2

Violent clashes intensified this Thursday, October 27, 2022, between the FARDC, Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23, March 23 movement, in the locality of Chumirwa, about 4 km from the national road number two (RN2). It’s close to the village of Ntamugenga in the territory of Rutshuru, North Kivu province in the east of the DRC. The RN2 is a main road used to supply the elements of the regular army in the region. Other clashes are reported near the village of Kibunge, on hills overlooking Kalengera. Some local sources claim that the M23 rebels tried to make progress and thus widen their field of action but met resistance from the FARDC, sparking massive displacement of the population. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

Detonations of heavy and light weapons are being heard in the area.

The clashes took place in several localities of the villages of the territory of Rutshuru in North Kivu.

“I was in Kako where there are several FARDC soldiers. Was in Rubare too. The rebels attacked towards Kibunge, above Kalengera. They are in the fields towards the Berky construction site. Kako has just been emptied of its inhabitants “, says a resident.

Massive displacement of residents.

Many people of the towns of Kako and Rubare went to the Rutshuru-centre and Kiwanja.

“Children, pregnant women, and elderly, force themselves to walk long distances for their safety and several vehicles, including taxis, which left Goma (capital of North Kivu) for the town of Butembo were forced to return towards the city of Goma”, explains another resident of Kako.

Another source indicates that the fighting is approaching the village of Rubare. All those who remained in the city are hiding in their houses. No way out.

Clashes between the FARDC and the M23 have resumed since Thursday, October 20, 2022 in the Rangira-Rwanguba region in Rutshuru territory, after a few weeks of lull before spreading to several other hills.

Local civil society accuses the M23 rebels of having dropped bombs on certain army positions, bombs which claimed the lives of more than 5 civilians and injured several others, according to the Congolese army.

But the M23 denied the allegations. He indicates that he rather defended himself after his positions were attacked by the FARDC in collaboration with armed militias including the FDLR and the Mai Mai.