Heavy fighting broke out between Wazalendo fighters and M23 rebels on Thursday evening in Mabingu

Tense confrontations erupted on the evening of Thursday, June 5, between Wazalendo fighters and M23 rebels in Mabingu, a village situated along the border of Kabare and Kalehe territories in South Kivu province. These clashes, which escalated since Wednesday, June 4, have led to fatalities and considerable displacement of the local population.

Local reports indicate that the violence ignited when the Wazalendo initiated an offensive aimed at M23 strongholds in Mabingu, a position held by the rebels for about ten days. Following the ensuing conflict, the Wazalendo succeeded in reclaiming this area. Gunfire soon spread to four additional villages within the Mubuku groupement of Buhavu chiefdom, notably Murangu and Chirimiro, as well as along the Kachikauma and Mushunguti routes. In response to their losses in Mabingu, M23 rebels conducted targeted raids, apprehending men they identified as Wazalendo fighters. Eyewitness accounts suggest these arbitrary detentions occurred near the border of Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Human rights organizations have reported that at least one civilian was killed, with two others, including a woman and an 11-year-old girl, sustaining serious injuries during the clashes. Simultaneously, the M23 rebels executed operations along the Kasheke axis in Kalehe territory. Heavy gunfire was reported overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, particularly around 2 a.m. Local sources claim that the rebels intensified their onslaught, detaining all men discovered in their residences. In light of the escalating violence and the brutal actions perpetrated by the rebels, residents from the Mbinga Sud group have fled, particularly from villages such as Tchofi, Kasheke, and Luzira. These displaced individuals have sought refuge in safer locations, including the island of Idjwi, Kajuchu, as well as the islets of Ihoka and Ishovu.