The villages of Lumbishi and Kashovu, located in the Katoy sector and under rebel control, were attacked this Wednesday by the Wazalendo militias.

Heavy and light weapon fire was reported from dawn, according to Actualité.CD.

The renewed fighting caused numerous families to flee into the forest, while others headed to the city of Ngungu.

The Armed Forces of the DRC captured the village of Mahanga, in the Butsike area, belonging to the Nyamaboko 1 group, and on Wednesday regained control of the villages of Kazinga and Ndete, located in the same group, in the Osso Banyungu sector.

These actions have taken place amidst a ceasefire in effect since February 18, which was publicly accepted by the AFC/M23 and the DRC government.

However, both sides have violated the agreements, and the Congolese Army’s offensive in Masisi, with the use of combat drones and other weapons to bomb some rebel positions, is particularly significant.

The clashes have exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation of the population, and local civil society actors are calling for urgent intervention to assist these vulnerable communities.

They also report that the lack of lasting stability and the fear of reprisals keep people in a state of constant insecurity.

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