Intense fighting erupted on Sunday, April 6th, in the villages of Katoki and Kafufula, located in the Ziralo groupment, Kalehe territory, South Kivu. The clashes pit the Wazalendo fighters of the Congolese Movement for the Defense of the People and National Integrity (MCDPIN-RAD) against the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda.
According to local sources, the Wazalendo are retaliating against a new attack launched by the M23. The rebels, who came as reinforcements from Lumbishi, are reportedly trying to rescue their members trapped during a Wazalendo attack in Katale on Saturday.
The situation is extremely concerning for civilians. Caught in the crossfire, many residents have fled their villages since yesterday. Some have taken refuge in the bush, without assistance, exposed to all dangers. Local civil society is raising awareness about the plight of these populations, who find themselves in a catastrophic humanitarian situation.
These new clashes occur amidst rising tensions in eastern DRC, where the M23 has intensified its attacks in recent weeks. The civilian population is once again the primary victim of this violence, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
With Daniel M.
