Reports from Ngungu, in Masisi Territory of North Kivu, have challenged claims made by Congolese lawmaker Willy Mishiki that government forces and Wazalendo fighters have regained control of the strategic area.
Representatives of civil society groups and non-governmental organisations operating in Ngungu have disputed Mishiki’s account, saying it does not correspond with information they have received about the situation on the ground.
Mishiki had claimed that the Congolese armed forces, FARDC, together with Wazalendo fighters, had retaken several areas, including Minova and Bweremana in South Kivu, as well as Ngungu in North Kivu.
The lawmaker also said forces aligned with the Kinshasa government had advanced closer to the city of Goma and were reportedly just over 12 kilometres away from the provincial capital.
However, civil society representatives in Ngungu say the situation remains different from the picture presented by Mishiki.
Reports from Masisi indicate that fighting between FARDC and its allied forces on one side and AFC/M23 on the other has continued in several areas surrounding Ngungu.
In recent days, government forces and Wazalendo fighters have claimed to have regained control of several locations in Ufamandu I, including Miko, Katuunda, Remeka, Miano, Kaleta and Kasake.
Those developments have been followed by intense clashes in areas close to Ngungu, as the opposing sides continue to compete for control of key positions.
Ngungu Remains on the Front Line
While there have been reports of FARDC and Wazalendo forces retaking some positions in Masisi, claims regarding control of Ngungu itself remain contested.
Reports from the area have continued to point to fighting around Ngungu, particularly in the hills surrounding the locality.
As a result, claims that Ngungu has been fully brought back under the control of FARDC and Wazalendo should be treated with caution pending confirmation from independent sources operating in the area.
At the same time, the loss and recapture of positions in Masisi highlight how quickly front lines in North Kivu can shift amid continued fighting.
FARDC and Wazalendo forces have continued operations in different areas, while AFC/M23 has maintained positions under its control and sought to repel attacks by government forces and their allies.
For now, reports concerning control of several areas in Masisi remain conflicting.
Establishing which side controls each location requires cross-checking claims from the two opposing camps with information from independent sources on the ground.
Rwandatribune.rw
