Violent Clashes Erupt Between M23 Rebels and Congolese Army Near Bweremana (Masisi) – Summary of Events
In a dramatic escalation of violence, the hills of Masisi have become the battleground for intense clashes between the M23 rebels and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC). The conflict erupted just 30 kilometers from the town of Sake in the Masisi territory of North Kivu. The first sounds of gunfire were reported at 4 am on Friday, January 3, shattering the peace of the early morning.
Witnesses Speak of Fear and Uncertainty
According to local sources, the clashes began on the hills of Ndumba, approximately 3 kilometers from the center of Bweremana, as well as in Maoma, a village located about 4 kilometers away. Residents in the area have been living in fear as the violence intensifies. One resident of Bweremana shared, “There have been clashes since 4 am between the M23 and the FARDC, supported by Wazalendo resistance fighters. The situation is so complicated here that people are living in fear. Everyone fears for their lives.”
The violence comes on the heels of a day marked by fighting in several locations within the Bashali chiefdom and the Osso-Banyungu sector of Masisi. These clashes resulted in over two civilian injuries, as reported by the local civil society, and triggered a mass exodus of residents from the affected areas.
Call for Support Amidst Rising Tensions
Responding to the crisis, local civil society groups have urgently appealed for increased support for the security forces, particularly in terms of personnel and ammunition. The situation remains tense in Sake, particularly in the Kamuronza region, following three days of intense combat between the M23/RDF rebels and the Congolese army, backed by local and international partners.
While some frontline areas like Nyiragongo and Lubero are experiencing a fragile calm, anxiety grips the population as the security situation unfolds. The Congolese army has yet to provide updates on the recent developments in the security landscape of Masisi territory.
Expert Insight from Josué Mutanava
Josué Mutanava, reporting from Goma, underscores the gravity of the situation, shedding light on the human toll and the urgent need for support to restore peace and stability in the conflict-affected region. The clashes near Bweremana serve as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by the Congolese population, caught in the crossfire of armed conflict. As the violence continues to escalate, the call for decisive action to protect civilians and restore order grows louder.