M23 rebels, with the backing of Rwanda, have seized control of a significant town in the volatile eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as per a local official’s report on Saturday.
The official, who opted to remain unidentified, disclosed that Kanyabayonga has been under M23 control since Friday evening.
Strategically positioned on the northern front of the conflict in North Kivu province, Kanyabayonga has been a hotspot of violence since 2021, when the M23 (March 23 Movement) reignited its insurgency.
The town acts as a crucial gateway to major commercial centers, Butembo and Beni, in the north.
With a population of over 60,000 residents, Kanyabayonga has also become a safe haven for thousands of individuals who have fled their homes due to the rebel incursion.
Located in Lubero territory, Kanyabayonga is the fourth territory in North Kivu infiltrated by the M23, following Rutshuru, Nyiragongo, and Masisi.
“The people in Kanyabayonga, particularly those who had moved from Rutshuru to Lubero, are left with no options. It’s a dire situation, and the population is fatigued,” the official remarked.
During a meeting led by M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma on Saturday, a resident mentioned that the rebels urged residents to remain in Kanyabayonga, promising peace.
“They are claiming they will make it to Kinshasa. How much longer can we keep fleeing?” the resident questioned, expressing doubt about the rebels’ assurances.
Colonel Alain Kiwewa, the military administrator of Lubero territory, noted an influx of displaced individuals from Miriki, Kirumba, and Luofu heading north. “This is a deeply troubling situation,” he commented.
Local sources reported intensifying clashes between Congolese forces and the M23 around Kanyabayonga on Friday, with fighting also reported in neighboring towns.
The youth leader from Kayna, situated 17 kilometers north of Kanyabayonga, vividly recounted a night marked by gunfire. He mentioned that those escaping from Kanyabayonga had to endure the night outdoors, under the open sky, consumed by fear.
Meanwhile, in Kirumba, located 25 kilometers from Kanyabayonga, a civil society leader, speaking anonymously, revealed that the community is engulfed in panic. “We are paralyzed. We don’t know where to turn,” he expressed.
According to the latest monthly report from the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office, the ongoing clashes have led to a significant displacement of civilians. The report also highlighted that humanitarian organizations assisting the displaced have suspended their operations due to security risks.
