Clashes broke out between pro-government militias and M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, in the vicinity of Sake, the last stronghold before Goma, the capital of North Kivu and the main city in the region. These latest clashes are not isolated incidents. Reports indicate skirmishes on multiple fronts in the territories of Masisi and Nyiragongo.
The fighting resumed in the dead of night around 3:30 a.m. local time, confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Guillaume Njike, spokesperson for the Congolese army in North Kivu. These battles unfolded in the hills, about thirty kilometers from the provincial capital, pitting M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, against Wazalendo militiamen, allies of Kinshasa.
Repeated heavy gunfire could be heard even in the displacement camps on the outskirts of Goma. “The gunfire continued until 3 p.m. this Wednesday, causing great concern among the population,” stated a local civil society source.
Last week, similar gunfire and clashes were reported in the Masisi territory, near Bihambwe along the Mushaki-Masisi Centre axis, as well as in more remote areas away from the province’s main roads.
On Saturday, March 23, explosions were heard on another front, in a different territory, that of Nyiragongo. On Tuesday, several Wazalendo militiamen were buried, causing significant traffic congestion in the city of Goma. Among them were several commanders of the armed group UFDPC, the Union of Patriotic Defense Forces.