Fresh fighting erupts in North and South Kivu
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Observer
Fresh clashes broke out on Thursday in several localities in North Kivu and South Kivu between the FARDC, their Wazalendo allies and the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation. The fighting comes amid renewed ceasefire efforts, according to local sources and FRN spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.
Fresh fighting broke out on Thursday in several localities in North Kivu and South Kivu between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), their Wazalendo allies and rebels from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), The Observer reports. In Masisi Territory, North Kivu, clashes were reported in Kilongo and Mahanga, where the FARDC and Wazalendo reportedly launched an offensive to dislodge FRN fighters. Fighting was also reported in Kibati, in Walikale Territory, and in several localities in South Kivu. According to local sources cited by The Observer, the clashes in the province began between 7 am and 8 am on Thursday.
Lawrence Kanyuka, the FRN spokesperson, confirmed the fighting on Thursday afternoon and accused government forces and their Wazalendo allies of using combat drones, fighter jets, heavy artillery and ground troops, according to The Observer. He said the government in Kinshasa was continuing to pursue a military solution despite calls for de-escalation, and accused the authorities of fuelling hate speech and waging war against civilian populations.
The clashes come as diplomatic efforts continue to end the conflict in eastern DR Congo. James Swan, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of MONUSCO, the UN stabilisation mission in DR Congo, has returned to Goma. The violence had already left four civilians dead and ten injured during fighting reported on 3 October in Mahanga, Buhimba and Kazinga, according to The Observer. The FARDC and the FRN regularly accuse each other of violating commitments made under the peace process.
The latest clashes follow the Congolese army's announced recapture of Mahanga and Kilongo on 5 November, as well as fighting reported in Kibati on the same day. They also follow clashes reported on 3 November in three localities in Masisi.
