Goma : the M23 targets main FDLR strongholds in Masisi and Rutshuru

Fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 has intensified in recent days. The M23 is especially increasing attacks in the strategic areas of the rebellion of the Rwandan FDLR genocidaires in the territory of Rutshuru and Masisi. But the FDLR reacted saying that “we are only Rwandan refugees, not an armed group”. Residents of the Rutshuru localities confirm that these are Rwandan rebel posts targeted by the M23. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

During the recent fighting, the M23 recovered the city of Nyanzale and the localities of Rwindi Vitchumbi, according to local sources.

“It took a few days from the beginning of March for the M23 to recover all these localities. The M23 fighters are currently in the chiefdoms of Bwito and Bashali, more than 70 kilometers northwest of the city of Goma. It’s near the territories of Walikale and Lubero,” witnesses say.

They affirm that “this area appears to be a new epicenter of violent fighting between the Congolese army supported by its allies and the M23 accused of being supported by Rwanda.”

The FDLR in belligerence

According to local sources, the M23 is facing the FDLR rebels in the localities of Rutshuru. The latter installed their new strongholds in Miyanja.

“The FDLR are afraid of the M23 which has just set up positions in Kibarizo, in Masisi territory. It’s a 4-hour walk from Miyanja. The FDLR fear being violently attacked by the M23. This is in fact a real face of the conflict that is emerging,” residents of Masisi told SOS Médias Burundi.

They report a massive presence of FDLR combatants not far from M23 positions.

“We encounter them especially when we go to the fields or looking for wood in the forest. They want to attack the M23, but the latter is aware of this and swears that it must cross swords with them. We are afraid and leave the areas in time. The worst can happen at any time”, testified residents of Masisi who decided to flee in advance.

The arguments are also supported by a notable person from Kubarizo who requested anonymity. He specifies that the M23 is carrying out simultaneous attacks in several areas which are full of large posts of the FDLR rebels in the two territories of the province of North Kivu.

White mercenaries seen

According to residents, white mercenaries were seen alongside the M23 in Nyanzale.

“We saw white fighters with our own eyes. They were with M23 fighters in Rwindi, Kibirizi in Bwito chiefdom. We also saw Rwandan soldiers in Nyanzale and Kibirizi in a column of vehicles including jeeps and trucks. It is becoming clear, the conflict involves several countries,” worryingly say local sources.

They report that the white mercenaries were seen for the first time in October 2023 in the villages of Bitoborero, Bizuru, Mushushwe and Butobya in the Kibumba groupment.

High-ranking FDLR officers killed?

This week, the M23 carried out its battles in Nyanzale. Residents indicate that the fighting targeted FDLR based in the villages of Marangara and Runzenze in the Bwito chiefdom. The M23 quickly claimed to have eliminated eight FDLR fighters, including a certain Byiringiro with the rank of colonel.

The FDLR spokesperson reacted quickly. Cure Ngoma indicated that Colonel Byiringiro is alive and that “we are only Rwandan refugees. We are not fighting against the M23”.

Local sources indicate that eighteen people were killed during the fighting in Nyanzale and that eight of the victims were armed men. However, they do not specify to which armed group these men belonged.

New conquests of the M23

This Monday, the M23 conquered the lakeside locality of Vitchumbi in the Binza groupment.

“Without any difficulty, they then headed towards Kaingini and Kivé on Lake Edward where they held a meeting with the local population. Those who were afraid of the arrival of the fighters fled the localities of Kamandi, Kisaka, Kyavinyonge and Nyakakoma. But those who stayed had no problem,” say residents who chose to stay.

The Congolese army has not yet commented on the current situation in Binza (Rutshuru) and that of last week in the villages of Marangara and Runzenze.

Rwanda has always denied its support for the M23 rebels.