Update on the Frontlines in Nord-Kivu: Masisi, Nyiragongo, Lubero, Kalehe…
The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently a hotspot of intense fighting. The situation is particularly critical in Masisi territory, with violent clashes between the FARDC, supported by Burundian forces and MONUSCO, and the M23 fighters who now control the city of Sake, about twenty kilometers from Goma. ACTUALITE.CD provides daily updates on the situation on the various frontlines, thanks to its correspondents.
Masisi: Epicenter of the Conflict
In Masisi territory, the fighting is at its peak. The M23 currently controls Mumbambiro and Sake. In the past two days, the clashes have focused on vital axes such as the routes Sake-Kirotshe (Vunano), Sake-Mushaki (Rutobogo), and Sake-Kitshanga (Kimoka). The FARDC, as per agreements, are supposed to be supported by Burundian forces, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces, and MONUSCO peacekeepers. The intense fighting in Sake has led to a new influx of displaced people towards Goma.
Nyiragongo: Escalation of Tensions
In Nyiragongo territory, adjacent to Goma, the fighting continues on Friday morning in the Kibumba group. The FARDC are positioned at Kilimanyoka and Kanyamahoro, while the M23 fighters hold Kibaya in the Virunga Park. This morning, heavy artillery fire could still be heard in the northern neighborhoods of Goma, fueling a sense of panic. The FARDC are receiving support from Romanian instructors deployed at Kanyamahoro, Kibumba, and Kimashini.
Lubero: Sporadic but Ongoing Clashes
In Lubero territory, the fighting is concentrated between Kitsumbiro, Alimbongo, and Mambasa. The FARDC and the Wazalendo are continuing their offensives from Ndoluma, near Mambasa, against the M23 positions in Alimbongo. Although the situation is relatively calm on Friday morning, these locations remain tense after several weeks of intense clashes.
Kalehe: Apparent Calm after M23 Advance
In Kalehe territory, the situation is calm this morning after the recent progress of the M23. The fighters from this group have taken over several localities including Numbi, Lumbishi, and Minova. From Minova, the front has moved towards Kalungu, on the Nyabibwe axis, and the rebels now control areas like Kitembo and Kachazio, located in the Buzi Bulenga group on the shores of Lake Kivu. In this area, the FARDC are supported by Burundian forces, while MONUSCO does not intervene as its mandate no longer covers this region.
Goma and the Humanitarian Crisis
The fall of Sake has triggered a massive influx of displaced people towards Goma. The residents of Sake initially gathered in Mubambiro before heading en masse to the city center of Goma. The displaced camps of Bulengo, Kimashini, and Lushagara, west of Goma, have been emptied as the occupants seek refuge in the city center.
The situation remains extremely concerning on all fronts, with varying but continuous intensity of fighting, worsening the humanitarian crisis.