Heavy fighting has resumed in the Ziralo area of Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province, where the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (FARDC) forces, together with Wazalendo and FDLR fighters, launched attacks on AFC/M23 positions.
Reports from the areas affected by the fighting say that, after hours of intense clashes, AFC/M23 managed to repel the attacks launched against its positions, allowing it to take control of several key areas in Kalehe Territory.
In the areas reportedly captured, the list includes Ngeramana, Runengenge, Bukumba, Kalungu, and Chambombo. Local residents also said that Lumbishi had once again come under AFC/M23 control following heavy fighting.
The developments came as the security situation in Kalehe continued to deteriorate, particularly in the Ziralo area, where various armed groups and government forces have continued to clash. On the same day, reports said that FARDC and Wazalendo positions in Katale were targeted by drone strikes, although the identity of those responsible was not immediately known. The strikes were followed by heavy fighting in several areas as both sides sought to maintain or expand their positions. No reliable official figures for those killed or wounded in the clashes had been released at the time of reporting.
The renewed fighting has also triggered a new wave of displacement, with many families abandoning their homes and fleeing toward areas they consider safer than those where the clashes have continued.
Residents in these areas have long faced serious consequences of insecurity, including displacement from their homes, loss of property, and disruptions to farming and commercial activities.
Kalehe is one of the areas in South Kivu that has experienced prolonged security problems, with clashes between government forces and armed groups continuing to leave residents at risk of being displaced again.
The reported capture of these towns and areas is further changing the security situation in the Ziralo area, particularly regarding key routes and strategic locations connecting different parts of Kalehe.
Despite the continued fighting between the opposing sides, initial reports indicate that AFC/M23 managed to withstand the attacks launched against it, repel the attacking fighters, and expand the territory under its control.
Meanwhile, residents continue to call for an end to the fighting, as they bear the heavy cost of the conflict and prolonged insecurity in eastern DRC.
We remind you that fighting has been ongoing for several days in Kalehe, South Kivu Province, with clashes reported throughout last week, continuing into the beginning of this week and again on Saturday. Recent conflict monitoring also confirms continued clashes in several areas of Kalehe, including the Ziralo group.
