Walikale (DRC): the toll of the fighting is getting heavier
In just two weeks, 34 people have been killed, several others injured and more than 15 thousand households have fled in the violent fighting between the Congolese army and its auxiliaries and the armed group M23, in Walikale (North Kivu province, eastern DRC). Local civil society deplores a very complicated situation for the displaced.
INFO SOS Médias Burundi
The toll is drawn up by local civil society in Walikale.
“In just two weeks, 34 civilians are reported killed, at least 15 thousand households left their homes and several houses have been burned,” reports the research office for the development of the Walikale territory.
Difficult conditions for displaced people…
According to civil society, war-displaced people have difficulty finding basic needs.
“The displaced people have been welcomed in schools and health facilities… But they are not assisted. It is difficult for civil society organizations to reach the area. The situation is very serious,” warns a local activist.
Local sources say that violent fighting has also taken place since Monday in Mpeti, a strategic village in Walikale located some 18 kilometers from Pinga. This village was retaken by the rebels on Tuesday, according to residents.
“Inhabitants of Pinga fled en masse. It was so atrocious that we could not stay. The M23 rebels are numerous and heavily armed. And the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) have mobilized combat vehicles,” say residents who fled. Residents accuse MONUSCO (UN Mission in Congo) of “remaining indifferent to the advance of the rebellion”.
https://www.sosmediasburundi.org/2024/10/25/goma-les-agglomerations-de-kishali-et-ihula-tombees-dans-les-mains-du-m23/
Officially, the Congolese army has not yet communicated on the situation.
The M23 is a former Tutsi rebellion that took up arms again at the end of 2021, accusing the Congolese authorities of not having respected their commitments on the reintegration of its fighters. The Congolese authorities remain convinced that it is supported by Rwanda, which the Rwandan government continues to dismiss out of hand.
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Illustrative photo: a camp for displaced persons in North Kivu, June 2024 (SOS Médias Burundi)
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