Chaos in Sud-Kivu: Tales of Fear and Resilience in Kalehe
In the early hours of Wednesday, January 22, 2025, a precarious calm settled over the battlegrounds in the territory of Kalehe, Sud-Kivu, following intense clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the rebel group M23. This tranquility comes in the wake of the capture of the cities of Bweremana in Nord-Kivu and Minova in Sud-Kivu by the rebels.
Desperate Times: A Population in Panic
Throughout Tuesday, clashes raged on in two groupements within the territory of Kalehe: Buzi Bulenga and Mbinga-Nord. Delphin Birimbi, the president of the civil society coordination framework in Kalehe, reports that as of the morning of January 22, no new hostilities have been reported. However, the population remains gripped by panic as the rebels have taken control of various entities in the region, including Minova, Kalungu, Makelele, and Butale.
Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
The recent confrontations have led to massive displacements of civilians, with over 178,000 people newly uprooted due to the conflicts in Bweremana, Minova, and Kalungu. At least 125 injured individuals have been evacuated from Minova to Goma for specialized medical care. Tragically, reports from humanitarian organizations detail the heinous acts of violence committed against vulnerable populations, with five girls from a single family being assaulted by armed men in Kalungu and two others in Buhovi.
A Call for Action
Amidst the chaos, the diverse voices of civil society are united in urging the military to root out the M23 rebels from various villages in Kalehe, including Lumbishi, Shanje, Numbi, Minova, Kalungu, and Butale. The army, acknowledging the loss of Bweremana and Minova to the M23, has reassured the populace that they are taking all necessary steps to thwart the rebels’ advances and restore peace to the affected areas.
As the people of Kalehe navigate this turbulent period of uncertainty and fear, one thing remains clear: their resilience and strength in the face of adversity are unwavering. The stories of survival, courage, and solidarity that emerge from these trying times serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart in the most challenging of circumstances. Let us stand in solidarity with the people of Sud-Kivu, offering support and hope in their darkest hours.