DRC:Clashes between DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and M23 rebels extend to Rutshuru and Kiwanja

 

Internet Photo

Clashes between the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and M23 rebels have continued since today morning in the vicinity of Rutshuru and Kiwanja, North Kivu.

According to witnesses on the spot, the situation increases the panic of the populations, pushing some to flee the place.

Since 8 a.m. heavy gunfire has been heard in the vicinity of Nyongera, 2 kilometers from Kiwanja and around the capital of Rutshuru territory, according to sources on site.

They add that the intensity of the fighting decreased by a notch around 9 a.m. local time. Some residents, hiding in their homes, fear that the M23 rebels have already taken the Kiwanja city.

This Saturday morning, the FARDC elements were seen by the population, retreating towards the North of Kiwanja.

What M23 rebels say

 In a tweet, M23  says "When you fight to recover your right to be recognized as a human being, or a citizen in a State, it is not material or financial equipment that gives victory but it is determination because you know that if you lose you lose the right to human dignity".

 

Quand on se bat pour recouvrer son droit d'être reconnu humain, ou citoyen dans un État ce ne sont pas les équipements matériels ou financiers qui donnent la victoire mais c'est la détermination car on sait que si on perd on perd le droit à la dignité humaine. pic.twitter.com/gNhFEXZViN

— M23RDCONGO (@M23_ARC) October 28, 2022