Civil society in Fizi Territory, South Kivu Province, reports that heavy fighting is continuing in areas around Point Zéro in Fizi Territory.
According to the civil society organization, the fighting pits the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) coalition against the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), backed by Burundian troops and the Wazalendo militia.
Civil society said the security situation in the area continues to deteriorate due to the intensity of the fighting. Meanwhile, residents say business activities and travel have resumed in Minembwe after MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 drove the FARDC coalition forces out of the area. However, other reports claim the movement is part of a military redeployment by the FARDC.
These developments come as various reports indicate that FARDC troops and their allies have withdrawn from some of their positions, including Nakiheli and Kanguli, in what is described as a tactical repositioning. As a result, the fighting has shifted to areas around Point Zéro, where both sides continue to clash.
Civil society also reported that telephone communication between Fizi Territory and the city of Baraka has become extremely difficult. According to the organization, telecommunications towers were damaged by shelling in the area, severely disrupting communications and the flow of information to residents.
However, other credible reports suggest that the FARDC ordered telecommunications towers in the area to be shut down to prevent the spread of reports claiming its forces had retreated in the face of MRDP-Twirwaneho. These claims, however, have not yet been independently confirmed by the relevant authorities.
