Recent clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese military, supported by pro-government militia (wazalendo), have led to mass displacement of residents in several localities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a source said on Friday.

The Congolese government and the M23 signed a recent peace framework agreement in Doha, brokered by Qatar.

But Thursday saw clashes in various areas of North Kivu province, including Kibati, in Walikale territory and Kinyumba, as well as in Nyabiondo in Masisi territory, residents told Anadolu.

The fighting erupted after government forces attacked rebel positions in Kinyumba, according to the residents.

Situation precarious

The Congolese army used a fighter jet to shell rebel positions in Kibati in Walikale and Kasopo in Masisi, they said.

“One person was seriously injured following a bomb explosion in Kautu village, near Mahanga town. The victim was treated at a local health facility,” one resident, who gave his name as Jean-Pierre, said.

Media reports said the rebels seized control of Mahanga in Masisi territory, following fighting this week.

Vianney Kitswamba, a security protection coordinator in Masisi, confirmed to reporters that the security situation remained extremely precarious in several villages in North Kivu Province.

Reports of execution

Several districts remain deserted, he said. “Fearing for their safety, some families have fled their homes, yet they had just returned recently.”

Meanwhile, more than 22 people were reportedly shot dead in Irhambi Katana in the Kabare territory in South Kivu province during the overnight hours of November 23 to 24 in clashes between self-defence groups and the M23 rebels, the military confirmed.

The victims, between 20 and 40 years old, were allegedly accused of collaborating with the Wazalendo group.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, in a post on American social media company X this week, said the “young men were first arrested, then executed by M23 elements.”

Deadly attacks

In addition, he said the Katana health centre in Kabare territory was attacked by M23 elements, killing a patient and two nurses.

The UN, Kinshasa and others accuse neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23, which Kigali denies.

The Congolese Ebuteli Research Institute revealed in a report this month that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and M23 armed groups were among the most violent in October in DR Congo.

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Congo (MONUSCO) said deadly attacks by the ADF in several localities in North Kivu province between November 13 and 19 killed at least 89 people.