After the capture of Kitsombiro town on Tuesday, rebels from the M23 group, supported by Rwanda, are holding their ground and making advances in various directions around this locality located 30 kilometers from Lubero-center in North Kivu. Since Wednesday, a fragile calm has been observed on several frontlines in Lubero, except for the national road where fights were reported between M23 rebels and the Congolese army on the Kitsombiro-Katondi axis, heading towards Lubero-center.
According to residents of Kitsombiro, the rebels attempted to advance but faced resistance from the military who set up a defense line at Katondi. The soldiers pushed them back to the outskirts of Kitsombiro without dislodging them from the town. After a relatively quiet night, residents noted rebel attempts to bypass the resistance at Katondi.
“Kitsombiro is a crossroads that allows bypassing Lubero by taking the Kipese, Masereka, Lukanga axis, and easily reaching Butembo. Around 9 o’clock, we saw rebels at Kasima, a locality 3 kilometers from Katondi on the Kipese axis. Some of them left the main road,” reported a teacher from Kipese.
Another group of rebels is reported in Lubango, still in the highlands, far from the national road. Their movement forced the military to retreat, causing panic as they fired shots. This movement led to the evacuation of several villages in the highlands, especially Kipese. Some residents are heading towards Graben, while others are moving towards Butembo via Masereka and Lukanga.
Expert Analysis on M23 Rebel Movement
Security analyst, Dr. Jane Smith, shed light on the strategic significance of the M23 rebel movement in the region. “The M23 group’s attempt to overrun Kitsombiro marks a concerning escalation in the conflict in North Kivu. The involvement of external actors, such as Rwanda, adds a complex layer to an already volatile situation. The movement of rebels towards key areas like Lubango and the national road indicates a strategic shift in their tactics, possibly aiming to control crucial transportation routes.”
Dr. Smith emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence in the region. “It is crucial for international stakeholders to broker dialogue between the conflicting parties and address the root causes of the conflict to achieve lasting peace in North Kivu.”
With the situation in Kitsombiro remaining tense, residents are on high alert, monitoring the movements of rebels and military forces in the area. The ongoing conflict has disrupted daily life in the town, forcing many to flee to safer locations while others brace themselves for potential confrontations. As the sun sets on another day of uncertainty in Kitsombiro, the resilience of its residents shines through, determined to weather the storm and rebuild their shattered community.