Over the weekend, intense confrontations in eastern DR Congo involved clashes between M23 rebels and pro-government forces, along with various armed groups.
The clashes have heightened tensions in the strategically significant Masisi region, as reported by sources in the area on Sunday.
“We have taken refuge in the parish, the M23 rebels are in Kitshanga since yesterday,” one resident said Sunday.
A number of wounded have been taken to hospital, according to a health worker. “This morning, there weren’t any more fighters, but we are still afraid to go out,” the source added on the condition of anonymity.
“The rebels are in Kitshanga and we are trying to find a way to retake the town,” a security source told media, also on condition of anonymity.
“The war is not going to end, it will continue,” said the spokesperson of one armed group that describes itself as “patriots” fighting the rebels.
As per the security source, combat was ongoing in the adjacent territory of Rutshuru on Sunday.
Kitshanga, positioned at a pivotal junction within the Masisi region, approximately 80 kilometers northwest of the provincial capital, Goma, has witnessed multiple changes in control this year. Tensions resurged three weeks ago following a fragile six-month truce.
In January, the Tutsi-led M23, supported by Rwanda, captured the town, further extending its territorial gains.
In early October, Kitshanga shifted from the control of an international force, deployed by the East African Community to oversee a buffer zone between the armed groups, to local militia, and briefly came under the M23’s authority for 24 hours before they withdrew.
On October 14, the military, asserting its commitment to a ceasefire mandated by a regional mediator, had arranged a press visit to the town just one week prior to it falling back under rebel control.
