Masisi: AFC/M23 Repels Government Offensive in Mineral-Rich Rubaya Area
The AFC/M23 movement on Tuesday repelled an offensive launched by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by fighters from the FDLR and Wazalendo militias, who were attempting to seize control of the mineral-rich Rubaya area in Masisi territory, North Kivu province.
Sources from kigali daily news in Masisi report that heavy fighting broke out early Tuesday in the Gatugunda area, below Bukumbiriri, along the road linking Kibabi, Kinigi and Gatongi. Additional clashes were reported between the localities of Gatovu and Muhayirwa, as both sides sought to gain ground in strategically important positions.
On Monday, fighting had already raged throughout the day in several areas of Gatoyi sector. According to the same sources, the coalition of forces fighting alongside the Congolese government had intensified its operations in an effort to retake Rubaya, a zone known for its vast deposits of coltan and other valuable minerals.
The reports further claim that several senior military figures — including General Kigingi, General Mangara, Colonel BNB of the FDLR-CNRD, as well as Generals Mutayomba, Macano and Mangarazi — were allegedly provided with funds by the Congolese government to facilitate the recapture of the area.
The fighting is also said to involve Burundian troops, although no official statement has been issued by the authorities in Burundi or the DRC to confirm or deny these claims.
Sources close to the situation told kigali daily news that on Tuesday morning, AFC/M23 fighters managed to push back government-aligned forces, forcing them to retreat approximately 30 kilometers from the areas where the clashes had been taking place.
