AFC/M23 rebels advance in South and North Kivu
Fighting continues in South Kivu, where AFC/M23 rebel forces are reported to be present in the areas of Mukasa and Kasika, a short distance from the town of Mwenga.
Reports indicate that AFC/M23 now controls the Catholic Parish of Mukasa, the facility known as Miki, and the residence of a traditional leader named Nyumba MUBEZA in Kasika.
Burundian troops are said to be fighting alone after the Congolese army (FARDC) and Wazalendo militias fled the clashes following allegations that they looted shops.
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On Monday and Tuesday, AFC/M23 rebels were reported in the localities of Kilungutwe, Kalama and Mutongo. The AFC/M23 rebels are currently located 25 km from Mwenga Centre and 70 km from Kamituga.
Videos circulating show residents accusing the Congolese national army, FARDC, of looting Kasika on Tuesday evening, saying no shop was left untouched and even pharmacies were pillaged.
ALSO READ: AFC/M23 fighters capture 40 men transporting weapons
In North Kivu, AFC/M23 rebels also clashed with Wazalendo fighters and government troops in the Mpombi area, in the Kisimba grouping, around Banakindi in Walikale territory.
According to the news site Actualite.cd, AFC/M23 fighters launched an attack from Mpety, but Wazalendo and FARDC forces prevented them from advancing toward Pinga, which they intended to capture.
