Violent clashes as M23 attempts to take on Uvira!

 

Fierce clashes between M23 and Wazalendo in the Burhinyi chiefdom, rebels are attempting to advance towards the city of Uvira

These clashes have been taking place since August 13 between M23 rebels and their allies and self-defense groups known as Wazalendo in the Burhinyi chiefdom, Mwenga territory. The fighting, which began in the village of Kigube, quickly spread to several surrounding towns, plunging the civilian population into a new spiral of fear and displacement.

According to local sources, the hostilities successively spread to Luhindi, Muhuzi, Kangovwa, and Nyabaleke. The rebels then reportedly attempted to cross the Lulindi River, despite the destruction of the bridge connecting Luhindi to the Itombwe sector. Forced to cross on foot, they advanced to the village of Matundu, where they were violently repelled by the Wazalendo.

Witnesses report that several M23 fighters were killed during these clashes. However, rebel reinforcements have reportedly continued to arrive for the past two days, maintaining strong military pressure in the area.

The fighting then split along several fronts. One rebel group is carrying out attacks in the village of Lubumba, while another is attempting to control the center of Kachoka. At the same time, a group composed mainly of Twirwaneho militiamen and FNL/Zabampema elements, who came from the Uvira highlands via Muranvya, is also fighting the Wazalendo in the village of Nabombe.

Exchanges of fire continue in these areas, and the situation remains extremely volatile. According to several security observers, the rebels are now surrounded by the Wazalendo. If their reinforcements were to weaken, they could suffer heavy losses. But if not, a breakthrough would allow them to advance towards the strategic city of Uvira and extend their advance towards the territories of Mwenga, Fizi, and Shabunda.

In the meantime, the civilian populations in these areas live in terror, forced into hiding or fleeing, while the fighting continues to threaten the stability of South Kivu.

Meanwhile, the Congolese army issued a statement denouncing the ceasefire violated by the rebels, and also accused the army of violating it.