This happened after M23 rebels launched attacks against the Wazalendo militia, which fights alongside the Congolese army, in the Luhago groupement, located in the Nindja chiefdom in Kabare territory.

According to reports from the area, M23 rebels took control of the villages of Bwegerera, Irega, and Katsoba, thereby regaining full control of the entire Luhago groupement, which they had lost the previous week.

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Following these attacks, the Wazalendo fighters, together with the Congolese army (FARDC), fled towards an area called Mashango.

In addition, in Kalembe, located in the Bashali Mokoto groupement in Masisi territory, North Kivu, there was more fighting between M23 and Wazalendo over the weekend.

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This fighting reportedly began after Wazalendo launched attacks on M23 positions. Heavy and light gunfire was heard in this town located between Masisi and Walikale.

Sources said that many residents were terrified by the clashes and chose to remain indoors.

They added that M23 rebels based in Kalonge, in the Kisimba groupement near Kalembe, assisted their comrades using long-range weapons to repel the attacks.