Goma: the city of Nyanzale under control of the M23

Following harsh clashes which lasted two days, the strategic city of Nyanzale in Rutshuru territory in the Bwito chiefdom came under the control of the M23 on Wednesday. According to civil society, more than 18 individuals were killed and dozens injured as over two thousand people have fled their homes to neighboring communities that seem safer. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

M23 rebels entered the town of Nyanzale in the Bwito chiefdom this Wednesday afternoon.

It is located more than 130 kilometers from the city of Goma, capital of North Kivu.

The city is highly strategic for the territory of Rutshuru following its cultivation of cassava which supplies almost all of Rutshuru as well as the city of Goma.

According to local civil society, “Nyanzale fell into the hands of the M23 after intense fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and local armed groups operating alongside the loyalist army. “.

“We see the M23 rebels through the windows, we who stayed in houses. They are wearing uniforms and helmets with ammunition in hand,” says a civil society executive contacted by SOS Médias Burundi.

During these clashes which lasted almost two days, more than 18 civilians were killed and several others seriously injured. Over two thousand people have fled their homes fearing growing insecurity in this region.

“We have just found 18 bodies of our compatriots killed. But it is currently unclear which group among the two sides killed them. The search continues with as aim to find other bodies. But thousands of residents fled the city of Nyanzale and we are all frightened by this situation because a minimal number remained in Nyanzale,” says Erick Kambale, resident of Nyanzale.

Other sources reveal that the situation remained tense throughout the evening of Wednesday, following unrest among the population, fearing the arrival of M23 elements in this part of Rutshuru.

Civil society, says that civilians are hiding in the bush. Others locked themselves in their houses. According to its representatives, “at any time local armed groups can launch attacks against the M23, which could once again cause human damage in this region.”

The Congolese army confirms having lost the city of Nyanzale as the M23 is claiming to have recovered this important locality in the Bwito chiefdom.