Clashes erupt in Kavumu, South Kivu as AFC/M23 battles Wazalendo
Security deteriorated again on Sunday morning, February 22, in Kavumu, Kabare Territory, South Kivu Province, following intense fighting that began on Saturday and continued into the night.
The clashes, pitting AFC/M23 fighters against Wazalendo militia allied with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), brought all economic and social activities in Kavumu and its surrounding areas to a halt from the early hours of the morning.
Sources from the area report that the fighting first erupted on Saturday morning, briefly subsided in the afternoon, before resuming in the evening.
One resident told local media: “The fighting started after a Wazalendo fighter was taken to a health center. A few hours later, we began hearing gunfire. From Katana to Kavumu, the sound of bullets echoed across the area.”
Further reports indicate that gunfire resumed at around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Another resident said: “Shooting restarted around 6:30 p.m. in Kavumu. We also saw Wazalendo fighters at the market receiving reinforcements at about 6:40 p.m.”
The clashes severely disrupted traffic along the road linking Bukavu to Kavumu, as well as movement in nearby localities, with many residents opting to remain indoors amid growing security concerns.
