Renewed Clashes in North Kivu: Fighting Between M23/RDF Rebels and FARDC Escalates
Renewed fighting between M23/RDF rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), commonly known as “Wazalendo,” resumed on Monday, May 13, in several areas of Masisi territory, North Kivu.
The clashes are particularly concentrated in Katale and Biteete, approximately 13 kilometers from Masisi center, the territory’s capital.
Tensions and Massive Population Displacements
Voltaire Batundi, president of Masisi civil society, reported that the fighting had moved closer to Masisi center, causing a massive exodus of residents toward the neighboring territory of Walikale.
“Masisi center is in disarray. From midday, heavy and light weapons fire was heard 13 kilometers from Masisi center, particularly in Katale and Biteete. A sense of panic reigns in the city, pushing many residents to flee to avoid being caught in the crossfire,” he said.
Call for Defense and Urgent Reinforcements
Batundi urged the FARDC and Wazalendo to intensify their efforts to prevent Masisi center from falling into rebel hands. “We ask the security forces to block the enemy’s path, especially to protect Masisi center, where many administrative documents are kept. We also call on the government to send reinforcements quickly,” he added.
Consequences of Recent Clashes
Over the weekend, clashes were also reported along the Bweremana axis and on several hills overlooking the town of Sake. Shells dropped on Monday by the M23/RDF on the town of Minova, in the territory of Kalehe (South Kivu), caused considerable damage. Local civil society sources reported at least two deaths, a mother and a child, and numerous destroyed infrastructures.
Mining Under Rebel Control
Amidst the fighting, M23/RDF rebels began exploiting natural resources in the mining sites of Rubaya, also in Masisi territory. Batundi noted that the rebels distributed tools to residents to encourage mineral extraction.
“The price of a kilogram of coltan has risen from $30 to $70, and workers, previously paid 10,000 FC per day, now receive 30,000 FC. This exploitation is encouraged by the M23 to increase their profits,” he explained.
Forced Recruitment and Militarization
Since the capture of Rubaya by the M23/RDF at the end of April, videos showing young people being forcibly recruited by the rebels have circulated on social media.
“The young people are loaded into trucks to undergo military training imposed by the M23. This recruitment is a way to avoid summary executions, as more than 120 young people were killed during the capture of Rubaya,” a local source revealed.
The ongoing clashes between M23/RDF rebels and the FARDC, supported by the Wazalendo, continue to threaten regional stability and exacerbate an already severe humanitarian crisis.
