The Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and fighters of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN-M23) clashed on Monday, October 26, in several localities of the Fizi and Walungu territories in South Kivu, according to local sources.
In the highlands of Fizi, near Minembwe, the fighting affected Kawihene, Rugezi, Point Zéro and surrounding areas, civil society sources report. Both sides are said to have used drones and heavy artillery.
In Walungu, exchanges of fire were reported in Munanira and Mitimbili. Military sources say the army has retaken control of Mitimbili, a claim that has not yet been independently confirmed.
Uvira: rumors denied
Rumors had suggested that FRN fighters were present in Kawizi, a locality about eight kilometers from Uvira. Local community leaders and the FARDC denied them, stating that the area remains under army control.
The spokesperson for the 33rd Military Region, Captain Sylvain Bijanu, also rejected any claim that the FRN-M23 is advancing toward Uvira.
For his part, South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi denounced what he calls a “media war” waged by the movement to sow panic among the population. He stated that Uvira remains under the protection of the FARDC and their allies, describing it as a “fortress,” and urged residents to stay calm and not to share rumors circulating on social media.
Despite the fighting, the situation in the city of Uvira remains calm, according to local sources.
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