Panic has gripped residents of Nshanje Centre in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province, after several kiosks were set ablaze amid renewed fighting between the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) and forces loyal to the Congolese government.
The kiosks were burnt at about 4:00 am on Wednesday, with videos from the area showing flames engulfing the wooden structures. Residents said the fires broke out as Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers and Wazalendo fighters withdrew from the centre after reportedly dislodging M23/AFC fighters from the area several days earlier.
The residents alleged that the FARDC and Wazalendo fighters may have set the kiosks ablaze after realizing that M23/AFC fighters were advancing to retake the centre. M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka also accused FARDC and Wazalendo forces of setting fire to civilian homes along the local market, saying the incident had deprived residents of their property, livelihoods and trading spaces.
Kanyuka also accused government forces of continuing military operations in other parts of South Kivu despite ongoing ceasefire efforts. He alleged that since about 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 6, forces he described as the “Kinshasa regime” had carried out bombardments in Rugezi and surrounding areas in Minembwe using kamikaze drones.
Kanyuka said the alleged attacks continued as the African Union Panel of Facilitators visited Goma as part of efforts to push the warring sides towards a political settlement. He said the continued military operations despite the presence of the African Union delegation showed the seriousness of the conflict. Fighting was also reported along the Ngungu Road and around Katoyi town in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province.
The clashes reportedly affected Katoyi centre and the villages of Mihole and Kashovu along the Remeka-Ngungu Road in Ufamandu I Groupement, Bahunde Chiefdom. Later on Wednesday, senior M23/AFC leaders Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, Bertrand Bisimwa and Freddy Kaniki held a press conference in Goma, where they accused FARDC and Wazalendo forces of violating ceasefire declarations.
They also raised concerns over the humanitarian situation in Minembwe, which they attributed to what they described as bombardments by forces loyal to the Kinshasa government. The FARDC and Wazalendo had not responded to the accusations by the time of filing this report. The renewed fighting comes as the African Union Panel of Facilitators continues its regional mission aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.
The delegation includes former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde. The delegation was received in Kigali, Rwanda, on Wednesday and met President Paul Kagame. It is expected to travel to Kinshasa for talks with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi. The visit to Goma has, however, coincided with continued fighting on several fronts in North and South Kivu.
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, allegations that Rwanda and the rebel movement have denied. M23/AFC says its armed struggle is intended to address what it describes as corruption, discrimination and other grievances within the Congolese government. The conflict has continued to cause insecurity and displacement in parts of North and South Kivu despite ongoing regional and international efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
