On Tuesday, June 24, security tensions escalated in Bwito Chiefdom, Rutshuru Territory, in North Kivu, where fierce fighting broke out between M23 rebels and the armed group CMC/Wazalendo led by Dominique Ndaruhutse.
The clashes were especially intense in the villages of Bipfura and Kanyatsi, located in Bukombo Groupement, starting in the early morning hours of Tuesday.
Sources from the area report that both heavy and light weaponry were heard around 6:00 a.m., causing fear and forcing a mass displacement of residents toward Mashango and Mwesso, areas near Masisi Territory.
This confrontation is part of ongoing fighting that has plagued the region for several weeks. Other groupements such as Bambo, Tongo, and Kihondo have also experienced deadly battles, according to a report by mediacongo.net.
According to the same source, both sides — the AFC/M23 rebels and the Wazalendo group — appear to be strengthening their positions and reinforcing their defensive outposts.
