The hills of Minembwe remained generally calm and peaceful, although residents reported hearing gunshots in some areas. However, no fighting was observed between the opposing sides.
Information provided by residents in the area indicates that the entire day was relatively peaceful compared to previous days, with daily life continuing normally despite concerns caused by gunfire heard in some areas.
Although no fighting was reported today, residents said that MRDP-Twirwaneho, together with AFC/M23, continued to expand into additional areas without engaging in combat. According to these reports, they reached the Sara area toward Matanganika, near Kabanju, an area they reportedly recently took control of.
According to the same sources, no fighting took place in those areas because FARDC forces, Burundian troops, as well as Wazalendo and FDLR fighters, had reportedly already withdrawn and moved toward other areas in the direction of Milimba.
Residents also reported that in various areas, FARDC forces and their allies continued to abandon their positions, while MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 reportedly continued expanding the areas under their control without encountering fighting, instead finding that the positions had already been deserted.
Residents continued to emphasize that no fighting took place today. They said that what occurred in the Lulenge areas was the firing of gunshots by FARDC forces, Wazalendo and FDLR armed groups, as well as Burundian troops, in a manner that residents said they did not understand. The gunfire raised concerns among residents, although the day ultimately ended peacefully.
One resident said:
“Today there is peace. The only thing that happened was the firing of gunshots.”
Another resident told us:
“From what we are seeing here, FARDC and its allies continue to flee following what they experienced in the recent fighting in Rugezi.”
