Information from this Wednesday, September 16, indicates that fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), together with Wazalendo fighters, and AFC/M23 fighters continued in areas of Ufamandu 1, in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province.
Information from the Masisi area indicates that FARDC and Wazalendo fighters have retaken several areas that had been under the control of AFC/M23 for several days.
After retaking the Miko position, which is considered one of the important areas in this zone, the troops and allied fighters continued advancing toward other areas near Ngungu.
The areas reportedly returned to the control of FARDC and Wazalendo include Katuunda, Remeka, Miano, Kaleta and Kasake.
This information was reported by sources in the area and was also confirmed in different reports published on September 16.
Fighting continued heavily on Tuesday, September 15, and intensified again on the morning of Wednesday, September 16.
Radio Okapi reported that fighting was continuing near Kasake, an area located a few kilometers from Remeka, in the direction of Ngungu.
Information from residents and other sources in the area indicates that AFC/M23 fighters withdrew in the direction of Ngungu, where it is reported that additional fighter reinforcements may have arrived.
This has raised continued concerns that fighting could intensify again in the area as both sides continue to contest control of the territory.
The fighting has continued to affect civilians in Masisi. Radio Okapi reported that a large part of the population remained displaced after leaving areas affected by the fighting, with some heading toward Walikale Territory.
This comes as Ufamandu 1 and other areas of Masisi have for some time been battlefields between AFC/M23 and Wazalendo groups supported by FARDC.
At the beginning of September, fighting had forced residents of different parts of Masisi to flee.
Radio Okapi had reported that at least 16 villages had been left without residents following fighting that had continued in the area for several weeks.
The retaking of Miko, Katuunda, Remeka, Miano, Kaleta and Kasake by FARDC and Wazalendo represents a new development on the front lines in southern Masisi.
However, battlefield information remains provisional, as fighting is continuing and the areas reported to have been captured could change hands again.
By the evening of September 16, Radio Okapi reported that fighting was still continuing near Kasake.
Rwanda Tribune attempted to contact the Deputy Spokesperson of AFC/M23 in charge of political affairs, Dr. Oscar Balinda, to establish the position of the movement regarding reports that FARDC and Wazalendo had retaken Miko, Remeka and other areas of Ufamandu 1.
However, by the time this report was written, Dr. Balinda could not be reached by telephone, and therefore we were unable to obtain AFC/M23’s response to these reports.
No Figures Yet Released on Those Killed in the Fighting
So far, no reliable and independent figures have been released regarding those killed or wounded in the fighting.
Reports that soldiers or fighters were captured or surrendered to one of the sides have also not yet been independently verified by independent sources.
The situation in Ufamandu 1 continues to change, as fighting near Kasake and elsewhere in Masisi continues to cause insecurity and displacement of civilians.
BARAKA Esther
Rwandatribune.rw
