Local civilians in the area said: “Things are calm now, but there are two fatalities  a soldier and a police commander in the town  and five civilians were injured.”

Reports indicate that during the clashes, there were also other criminal activities, including looting of shops and warehouses, theft of goods, and destruction of private property.

The Kamituga City Security Committee, led by Mayor Alexandre Bundya Mpila, confirmed that two people died in the fighting while five others were injured.

The AFC/M23 has repeatedly stated that it will not tolerate actions that undermine security and the safety of civilians, declaring that it will only cease hostilities once order is restored and, as they claim, Congo is “liberated.”

President Félix Tshisekedi recently criticized Rwanda and its president for allegedly contributing to insecurity in eastern Congo, despite frequent denials from Rwanda and its officials.