The situation remains tense this Thursday, March 13, in the Nyabiondo, Kashebere, and Kibati region, located between the Masisi and Walikale territories in North Kivu. M23/AFC rebels occupied the city of Kashebere on Wednesday evening, after taking control of Nyabiondo the previous week.
The occupation of Kashebere places the capital of Walikale at considerable risk, even though it is located about 100 kilometers away, according to local actors. If the rebels capture central Walikale, they will soon reach Kisangani, which remains in their sights, several observers estimate.
The M23/AFC rebels arrived Wednesday in Kashebere, the capital of the Luberike group, about 40 kilometers from central Masisi. They even organized a rally in the town.
However, several sources report that reinforcements from Wazalendo and the FARDC, coming from Pinga, are on their way to attempt to retake Nyabiondo. Exchanges of fire were reported on the morning of Thursday, March 13, near Nyabiondo.
Residents trying to return to their homes in Nyabiondo are forced to return to the bush, while others are heading towards the Nyabiondo health center.
This rebel advance in Walikale territory is causing great concern among the population. According to local sources, residents of Kibua, Luvungi, and beyond have begun evacuating their villages to seek safety.
Several sources in the area also report that the mining company Alpha Mine Bisiye Mining began evacuating its staff this Thursday. This unstable situation worsens the already precarious humanitarian conditions in this part of North Kivu, due to the lack of infrastructure.
OKAPI
