Thousands of civilians flee fighting for Rurambo in South Kivu
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Actualité.cd
Thousands of residents have fled clashes between the RFN and the Congolese army backed by the Wazalendo to reach Rurambo, in the Uvira highlands of South Kivu. Families, notably women and children, lack shelter and food, according to local civil society actors, who report an urgent need for humanitarian aid.
Thousands of residents, including women and children, have fled clashes between the RFN and the Congolese army backed by the Wazalendo to reach Rurambo, in the Uvira highlands of South Kivu. The displacement has continued for several days, according to local civil society actors cited by Actualité.cd.
The displaced people come notably from Kekahya, Kabembe, Itegamo, Kamamiranga, Mukato, Namubula, Bibwe and Birambi, following fighting reported in Kaziba. Several families are without shelter, food or humanitarian assistance, and local organisations are calling for urgent aid.
Local groups have also recorded nearly 12,000 displaced households in Kaziba and its surroundings after 10 days of fighting. Rurambo remains under the control of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, backed by the Wazalendo, while the nearby village of Kahololo is described as a stronghold of Twirwaheno, an ally of the RFN, according to Actualité.cd.
The displacement follows fighting in Kaziba between the FRN and government forces, reported on 23 October.
