North Kivu: Masisi authorities warn of M23 strengthening its positions in Kasopo, on the border with Walikale territory

Since Thursday, June 26, there have been reports of AFC/M23 rebels mobilizing in the Kasopo and Kaandja regions of the Osso Banyungu chiefdom within Masisi territory, North Kivu. Local officials indicate that the rebels are bolstering their presence in Kasopo with additional troops and munitions.

This official noted that the movement, which commenced on Thursday, persisted until Saturday morning. The reasons behind this reinforcement of AFC/M23 positions remain unclear. Nevertheless, local leaders express concern over the potential resurgence of hostilities by the rebels, especially after the peace agreement was signed between the DRC and Rwanda, which mandates the withdrawal of troops on the ground.

Reports of fighting emerged on Saturday morning in Bugabo, also located in Masisi territory, where clashes occurred between AFC/M23 rebels and the Wazalendo.

These accounts of the rebels strengthening their positions in Kasopo and the skirmishes in Bugabo have been corroborated by reliable sources within the Waloa Yungu (Walikale) groupement, which borders the Kasopo area in Masisi. According to these sources, vehicles carrying fighters and their supplies have been arriving in Kasopo since Thursday. Additionally, this morning, the sounds of heavy and light weapon detonations were heard from the combat zone extending into the Waloa Yungu groupement.

Similar movements of AFC/M23 rebels have also been reported in the Kashebere and Kibati regions within the Luberike groupement in Walikale. Independent sources in the area mention a consistent rotation of troops since the rebels took control of these towns.