Information circulating on social media claims that the town of Baraka and the administrative center of Fizi in South Kivu Province are under the control of armed groups referred to as “revolutionary youth,” allegedly linked to the AFC/M23 coalition.
Those spreading the claims say these forces are reportedly controlling the area and using tactics aimed at preparing the population ahead of taking full control of larger territories. They further allege that such methods involve encouraging some fighters to withdraw before the complete occupation of key locations.
They compare the situation to the reported past capture of cities such as Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira, although there is no independent evidence confirming how those events unfolded.
Some also claim that there are preparations to control key transport routes linking Baraka, Fizi, and Kalemie via Lake Tanganyika and national roads, which they say could affect civilian security in the region.
However, these claims have not been independently verified by media outlets, and no official authority has confirmed that Baraka or Fizi are under the control of the groups mentioned.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in South Kivu, Lt. Reagan Kalonji, were unsuccessful as he reportedly said he was in a meeting and unable to comment at the time.
Reports from various local sources and civil society groups indicate that the area has frequently experienced clashes between FARDC troops, Wazalendo militias, and other armed groups, contributing to an unstable security situation.
As of now, government authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the circulating claims on social media.
Icyitegetse Florentine
Rwandatribune.rw
