Various reports from the Waloa Loanda groupement (in Walikale Territory, North Kivu) indicate that a large number of armed individuals, believed to be FDLR rebels, are disturbing security in Mishipo, in the Makungurano area.
According to several sources, a man claiming to be a general, known as Mutayonga and said to be from Masisi Territory, has been in Mishipo for several days, accompanied by around 100 armed men, carrying both heavy and light weapons.
The purpose of this armed group is still unclear, but reports suggest that in a meeting with locals, the group’s leader told residents to vacate the area, claiming that he had bought the land, although he did not mention who sold it to him.
Local administrative leaders confirmed that this appears to be a new form of insecurity, as residents are resisting being forced off their land.
According to information received by Actualite.cd, since the group’s arrival, the alleged FDLR fighters have been firing shots to intimidate the population.
The report calls on relevant authorities to urgently intervene to stop the rising insecurity in this part of Walikale.
