clashes-reported-between-army-and-m23-in-kiseguro-rutshuru-update

Clashes between Army and M23 in Kiseguro, Rutshuru

In the early hours of Monday, January 13, 2025, clashes erupted between the M23/RDF coalition forces and the FARDC supported by the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), commonly known as “wazalendo,” in Kiseguro, a locality approximately 20 km from Kiwanja in the Binza group, Bwisha chiefdom, in the Rutshuru territory (North Kivu). Isaac Kibira, the deputy delegate of the governor in the neighboring Bwito chiefdom and a notable figure in Rutshuru, reported that the wazalendo launched new offensives against the M23 to drive them out of the region.

According to Kibira, the wazalendo are actively pursuing the M23 elements in Kiseguro, causing the local population to be confined to their homes due to the ongoing clashes. He emphasized the urgent need for government support for the VDP to expel the M23/RDF elements from Rutshuru, allowing displaced individuals to return home and restore peace in the area.

Recent Developments and Casualties

Reports indicated that over the weekend, the wazalendo ambushed a reinforcement convoy of the M23 on the Tongo-Kanaba axis in the Rutshuru territory, en route to Masisi. The coalition M23/RDF forces suffered significant losses in terms of personnel and ammunition during the ambush. Tragically, at least five civilians were brutally killed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in Kinyangobe village on the border between the Binza and Bukoma groupings in the Bwisha chiefdom, Rutshuru territory. These victims, identified as farmers harvesting corn in their fields, fell prey to the aggressive M23 elements controlling the area for more than two years.

Escalation and Response

Further clashes extended to the Kibumba axis in the Nyiragongo territory, particularly near Kalaké close to the Nyiragongo volcano within the Virunga National Park. Local civil society representatives reported that the FARDC, supported by the local fighters “Wazalendo,” retaliated against another provocation by the M23/RDF terrorists. Thierry Gasisiro, the civil society rapporteur of Nyiragongo, raised concerns about artillery shells allegedly being launched from Rwandan positions in the Rubavu district towards loyalist forces. Despite these tensions, a relative calm was observed along the Sake-Kimoka axis, where previous combat incidents were reported on hills overlooking the city of Sake, 27 km from Goma in the Masisi territory.

Expert Analysis and Call for Resolution

As the region grapples with escalating violence and civilian casualties, local experts emphasize the urgent need for diplomatic solutions and international intervention to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace in the conflict-affected areas. The ongoing clashes underscore the complexity and volatility of the situation, necessitating coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to address the root causes and establish lasting peace for the affected communities.

In conclusion, the clashes between the army and the M23 in Kiseguro, Rutshuru, highlight the urgent need for sustainable peace-building measures and humanitarian assistance to mitigate the impact of conflict on vulnerable populations. The humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region demands immediate attention and concerted efforts from the international community to alleviate suffering and promote reconciliation among conflicting parties. The human toll of violence and displacement underscores the pressing need for lasting solutions to end the cycle of conflict and create a more stable and secure environment for all residents in the affected regions.