On the afternoon of October 1, 2023, battle broke out between M23 and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,FARDC. It is said that the FARDC continues to be defeated in some areas.
According to the information provided by the observers in North Kivu, the two sides had been engaged in a protracted conflict for a long time, and the FARDC continued to support the FDLR, Nyatura, and other invading groups.
The statement released by M23 on October 1, signed by its Spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, states that the forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have once again undermined the content of those resolutions and provoked war.
“On October 1, the RDC has openly launched its plan of war,” the statement continues. “President Felix Tshisekedi announced this in his public speech at the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations.”
“Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundura also spoke in Belgiam in his interview and the new Governor of North Kivu, Peter Chirimwami joined them when he encouraged the armed groups to stand up against M23. ”
FARDC is said to have started attacking this Sunday afternoon, around 9:00, in the areas of Busumba, Kirumbu, Kibarizo, Kirolirwe and its suburbs.
Sources say that the areas of Nturo and Korilirwe have been in the hands of M23 since the evening of this Sunday after the FARDC attack in the morning of October 1, 2023.
Also the Sake-Kitshanga-Butembo road was closed due to FARDC attacks but should be reopened soon along with the M23.
It is while FARDC, FDLR, Nyatura, Wazelendo and fighters from Wagner’s mercenary group continue to gather in their base in Sake.
Although the Congolese government blames M23 for its problems, the group says it continues to focus on the process of talks that have started to find a solution to the insecurity in Eastern DRC.
In the meantime, it will continue to defend itself and protect the civilian population and their belongings in the area under its control.
The mandate of the EAC forces will end on December 8 this year as agreed by the Heads of State in a meeting held in Nairobi at the beginning of September this year.
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