Violent clashes erupted in Kaziba, in the Walungu Territory of South Kivu Province, on Saturday evening, April 26, forcing terrified residents to flee into the surrounding mountains. Gunfire continued throughout the night, leaving the population in fear and without shelter.
The fighting was triggered by an assault from AFC-M23 rebels, who attempted to dislodge Wazalendo fighters in a bid to gain access to the strategic Minembwe Highlands. The highlands are home to their allied armed groups Twirwaneho, and Gumino. According to local sources, AFC-M23 heavily reinforced its operations with additional troops and ammunition deployed from Kabare and Kalehe territories.
Eyewitnesses reported that, on Sunday, April 27, at least five trucks carrying heavily armed soldiers arrived in the localities of Chofy and Kasheke. Some M23 reinforcements were even seen crossing Lake Kivu using fast boats, according to regional testimonies.
The assault on Kaziba began around 5 p.m. on Saturday when AFC-M23 forces launched an attack from the hills surrounding the town. In response, Wazalendo combatants, supported by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), engaged the rebels, leading to widespread gunfire that plunged Kaziba into chaos.
Fearing for their lives, residents fled their homes, seeking refuge in the nearby mountains. Many spent the night in the open, exposed to the elements, too fearful to return to their homes.
By Sunday morning, April 27, relative calm had returned to Kaziba. However, tensions remained high amid fears that AFC-M23 would resume its offensive to capture the town and establish direct communication lines with their allies in the Minembwe Highlands, who had recently pledged allegiance to the M23 movement, widely believed to be supported by Rwanda.
In addition to the battle for Kaziba, AFC-M23 troops were reported reinforcing positions in Kabare and Kalehe. Witnesses confirmed seeing trucks full of fighters dressed in M23 uniforms arriving in Tchofi and Kasheke.
Heavy fighting was also reported near Irhambi Katana, where Wazalendo forces engaged the rebels in fierce battles. Sources say the rebels were initially driven from the mountains of Kabushwa and Kahungu. However, after briefly regrouping near Kavumu Airport, the fighters returned to the frontline on Sunday.
The situation in South Kivu remains volatile, with fears that ongoing clashes could further destabilize the region and worsen the humanitarian crisis for thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire.
