DRC: the city of Kitchanga comes under the control of the M23 rebellion

An aerial view of Kitchanga, in April 2019. AFP - ALEXIS HUGUET

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In the DRC, Kitchanga (east of the country) passed on January 26, 2023 under the control of the M23 rebellion movement.

This city is an important axis of circulation since it makes it possible to connect Goma, capital of North Kivu, to the northern part of the province.

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In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kitchanga, nearly 100 kilometers west of Goma (eastern DRC), came under the control of the

M23

on Thursday .

After heavy fighting, the rebels arrived in this city of North Kivu which is on the border between the territories of Rutshuru and Masisi.

► To read also: Eastern DRC: fighting between the armed forces and the M23 reported in Masisi

Fighting was fierce and lasted part of Thursday before rebels were reported in the city center in the afternoon.

A tactical retreat of the Congolese soldiers, according to an official of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) in North Kivu, to " 

spare the loss of human life

 ", caused by heavy weapon fighting in the locality.

He assures that the Congolese soldiers are still in the area, ready to launch an offensive.

Kitchanga has been emptied of some of its inhabitants

In the evening, reports reported the arrival in Kitchanga of militias to fight the M23.

Nevertheless, the locality has been emptied of part of its inhabitants.

Some have taken refuge near Mweso, a little further north.

Others, in the area of ​​the Mokoto monastery, further south.

The UN mission in the country (Monusco), which has a base in Kitchanga, said it had taken in 450 displaced people.

A Monusco which demanded the departure of the M23 from the occupied areas.

#Thread: #MONUSCO condemns the M23 military offensive in Masisi territory where clashes are taking place at the moment.

450 people, including women and children, forced to move, found refuge in and around the MONUSCO base in #Kitchanga.

pic.twitter.com/6w8t4GUIWH

— MONUSCO (@MONUSCO) January 26, 2023

It's the death of Goma

 "

This city of Kitchanga is an important axis of circulation since it makes it possible to connect Goma to the North of the province.

Axis which has now been completely cut off since January 25.

This causes concern in the provincial capital.

It's the death of Goma

 ", testifies a resident, defender of human rights, this morning.

He expressed his concern about a possible encirclement of the city to force the Congolese government to negotiate with the M23.

►Also read

: Eastern DRC: fighting between the armed forces and the M23 reported in Masisi

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