North-Kivu: at least two civilians killed in Nyanzale during new clashes between the AFC-M23 and local armed groups.

On Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, clashes occurred between the AFC-M23 rebels and local armed groups in the Nyanzale area of the Rutshuru territory (North Kivu). At least two civilians were reported killed and two others injured, according to local sources.

These confrontations, which took place at the borders of the Mutanda and Kihondo groupings, caused widespread panic. On Monday, gunfire was still reported in the vicinity, indicating the ongoing volatility of the security situation in Nyanzale and several areas of the Bwito chiefdom.

For over a month, this region has been experiencing near-daily clashes between M23 rebels and Wazalendo fighters affiliated with the Collective of Movements for Change (CMC), in the groupings of Bambo, Tongo, Bukombo, Kihondo, and Mutanda.

Growing humanitarian crisis in Bambo

In light of the escalating violence, many residents are fleeing to Bambo, located further east, where thousands of displaced families are living in extremely precarious conditions. Deprived of access to their fields and lacking significant humanitarian support, these populations are sinking into increasing distress, according to local leaders.