Renewed Conflict in Masisi: M23 Rebel Group and DRC Forces Clash Again
The news reports that violence has escalated in Masisi in the Kivu region of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. The conflict has intensified between the M23 rebel group and the government forces.
The situation had temporarily calmed down five days ago, but now there’s renewed fighting in the Bwiza area of Masisi Territory, particularly focusing on controlling mines and strategic points.
M23, led by Bertrand Bisimwa, accused the Congolese army (FARDC) and their allies, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and local militias, of attacking their refugee camp recently.
Bertrand Bisimwa, the President of M23, stated on their website, “From 1:12 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2023, the Kinshasa regime, in collaboration with the FDLR, FARDC, local militias, and mercenaries, attacked the Bwiza camp.”
Bisimwa suggested that the goal of FARDC and their allies is to “eliminate those who oppose their tyranny in Masisi.”
Lawrence Kanyuka, a political analyst, mentioned that M23 remains vigilant in the face of this threat, and the conflict between the two sides continues.
M23 claims that they are not in conflict with the Congolese military, while the Kinshasa government believes that M23 is a rebel group aimed at destabilizing the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo).
The DRC government recently announced the completion of the deployment of their 15th Brigade of soldiers to reinforce the situation in North Kivu, particularly in the Masisi area, in an effort to defeat M23 decisively.
