By KT Reporter
Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers and militia coalition under their umbrella Wazalendo (Patriots) on Friday attacked several positions of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in Lubero territory, North Kivu province.
Fierce fighting started in the wee hours at around 5 am, according to eyewitnesses in the area. M23 positions located in Katwa and Kikubo, near Kirumba in Musindi Groupement, were attacked by FARDC and Wazalendo as they used both heavy and light weapons.
He says that M23 fighters are defending themselves. “Since 5:00 a.m. this Friday, November 29, 2024, the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime have been carrying out violent attacks targeting the heavily populated areas of Kikubo and its surroundings, as well as our positions. We reaffirm our absolute commitment to protecting civilian populations”, says Kanyuka in a statement.
The latest fighting happens after many days of lull. But, both parties had maintained their positions. FARDC and Wazalendo had earlier this week accused M23 of conducting heavy reinforcements of their positions in Lubero territory.
The conflict between M23 and the Congolese government which began in March 2022, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga has left many parts of North Kivu province in the hands of the rebels. The DR Congo government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that both Rwanda and M23 deny. The rebels assert that their fight is against corruption, xenophobia and discrimination within the DR Congo’s leadership.
