As insecurity continues to grip many parts of South Kivu Province, the head of Bashimukindji I Groupement in Itombwe Sector, Bitolwa Kisale King, has called on Wazalendo fighters to end hostilities, lay down their arms, and reconcile with the MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 coalition.
He made the appeal as reports from various parts of Mwenga Territory indicate that the battlefield situation has continued to shift, with the coalition of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), Burundian troops, Wazalendo militias, and the FDLR reportedly losing ground in some areas following clashes with opposing forces.
According to Bitolwa Kisale King, continued fighting among Congolese only undermines peace efforts and deepens the security and humanitarian challenges facing civilians, including displacement. He urged Wazalendo fighters to abandon armed conflict and pursue dialogue and reconciliation.
He also stated that, in his view, such a move could help reshape the country’s political landscape and increase pressure on the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi. He argued that governance reforms are necessary to bring an end to the long-running security crisis.
Bitolwa made the remarks in the city of Bukavu as fighting continues to intensify across several parts of South Kivu, particularly in the territories of Mwenga, Fizi, and Uvira, where rival forces remain engaged in battles for control of different areas.
In recent months, military operations involving MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 have contributed to significant shifts on the battlefield, with the opposing sides frequently claiming victories or the recapture of territory as the conflict evolves. The ongoing violence has heightened concerns among civilians, human rights organizations, and international partners, who continue to call for political dialogue and a lasting peaceful solution.
So far, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has not issued any official response to the remarks made by Bitolwa Kisale King.
