Violent clashes have been raging since Wednesday, April 8, between AFC-M23 rebels and Wazalendo fighters in the territories of Masisi (North Kivu) and Kalehe (South Kivu). According to local civil society, these hostilities have caused the mass displacement of more than 40,000 people to the Walikale territory.
The fighting began in the town of Tushunguti before spreading on Thursday, April 9, to the villages of Batayo and Kimole in South Kivu, as well as to Bindo-Bindo in North Kivu. Administrative sources indicate that the AFC-M23 launched simultaneous attacks against a coalition of local groups.
A Perilous Crossing for Displaced Persons
The majority of civilians are trying to find shelter in Lulambo and Biriko, in the neighboring territory of Walikale. This large influx of people has caused the collapse of the vine bridge at Kaholo.
Without a crossing, the displaced, including many children and elderly people, are forced to cross the river on foot despite the current.
Risk of a Humanitarian Catastrophe
Civil society actors are raising the alarm about the precarious situation. They are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to avoid a major humanitarian crisis in an area already weakened by recurring conflicts.
The use of heavy and light weapons throughout Thursday morning exacerbated the panic, emptying several villages of their inhabitants in a matter of hours.
With Okapi
