FIZI, Democratic Republic of Congo , Heavy fighting has been reported in the areas of Nyaruhinga and Mukoko, in the Hauts Plateaux of Fizi, as rival forces continue military operations in the area.
Colonel Rugabo Fidèle, a spokesperson for the MRDP/M23, told Rwanda tribune that the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allies, including the Burundian army (FDNB), FDLR, P5, Wazalendo fighters and mercenaries, had continued launching attacks in the area.
Rugabo said the attacks involved drones and 120-millimetre mortar rounds. According to him, shells were fired throughout the day towards Nyaruhinga and Mukoko from the Mulima area.
He also alleged that further military operations were being prepared along the Rugezi-Kabanju axis, which he said could lead to an escalation of the fighting.
Mulima and Point Zéro remain key areas
The Mulima–Point Zéro–Nyaruhinga–Mukoko corridor has in recent days been the scene of intense fighting, according to local reports.
In a report, civil society representatives in the area said that at the end of August, forces supporting the government in Kinshasa launched operations against fighters allied with the M23 in the Hauts Plateaux of Fizi, particularly around Nyaruhinga and Mukoko.
The report also cited allegations that 120-mm mortars and drones were used on August 17, while fighting continued in the following days around Rugezi and Point Zéro.
Rugabo said the MRDP/M23 had condemned the attacks and called for an end to military operations in the area.
Rwandatribune contacted Lieutenant Kalonji, spokesperson for Operation Sokola II in South Kivu, to obtain the government’s response to the allegations made by AFC/M23. He could not be reached by telephone at the time of publication.
Mwizerwa Ally
Rwandatribune
