DRC: the M23 invests two localities without fighting
In eastern DRC, M23 rebels have been seen in Vitshumbi, a fishing village on the shores of Lake Edouard, and also in Rwindi.
The population is wondering because no fighting has been reported in these two localities located around a hundred kilometers north of Goma even though they were, until a few days ago, still under government control.
Soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) seen aboard a patrol vehicle in Beni, December 3, 2022 (Illustrative image).
AFP - SEBASTIEN KITSA MUSAYI
By: RFI Follow
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With our correspondent in Goma,
Coralie Pierret
Confusion reigns in the Rwindi area but one thing is certain, no fighting was reported at the start of the week, according to local civil society.
Rwindi is a locality in the north of Rutshuru territory where a major military base of the Congolese Armed Forces is located and it was conquered by the
M23
rebels and their Rwandan support, develops a press release from the Forces vives provinciales.
“
The FARDC left the locality before the arrival of the rebels, without fighting
,” adds Jean-Claude Mbabaze, the president of civil society in Rutshuru.
“Are there any accomplices?
Traitors within the army?
» he asks himself.
For the moment, no attempt at reconquest has been reported.
For its part, MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the
DRC
, assured that its men were still on site.
A video has been circulating on social networks since Monday of rebel columns entering Rwindi, on foot, without being disturbed.
MONUSCO did not deny the authenticity of the video but rather “
the narrative conveyed
”.
#MONUSCO formally denies the narrative conveyed on #Rwindi using this video (screenshot).
MONUSCO remains committed to implementing its mandate to protect civilians in support of the Congolese defense and security forces.
pic.twitter.com/E9cTiuS4vG
— MONUSCO (@MONUSCO) March 10, 2024
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