On Monday, three people, including a FARDC soldier and children, were killed instantly, while six others were taken to Minova Hospital for treatment. A reliable source at the hospital reported that four more people succumbed to their injuries on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to seven.
A sign post showing Bweremana
The number of deaths from a bomb explosion in Bweremana, located in the Masisi territory of North Kivu province, has risen to seven, according to local sources. The explosion occurred amid intense fighting between the March 23 Movement (M23 rebels) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), along with a militia coalition under the Wazalendo (Patriots) umbrella.
The clash began early Monday morning around 5:00 AM and resumed on Tuesday. On Monday, three people, including a FARDC soldier and children, were killed instantly, while six others were taken to Minova Hospital for treatment.
A reliable source at the hospital reported that four more people succumbed to their injuries on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to seven. The source also mentioned that eight casualties are currently admitted to the hospital. No official statements have been made by any parties regarding the bomb explosion.
However, Major General Jacques Ychaligonza Nduru, the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the FARDC in charge of operations and intelligence, assured the public on Tuesday from Lubero territory about the FARDC's commitment to reclaim all areas occupied by the M23 rebels in North Kivu. Nduru has been stationed in the area since Friday of the previous week.
The renewed fighting comes despite a two-week truce requested by the United States government to allow civilians access to humanitarian aid. Both the M23 rebels and FARDC soldiers have accused each other of violating the ceasefire by launching attacks.
The conflict between M23 and the Congolese government began in March 2022, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and General Sultan Makenga. The DR Congo government has accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim denied by both Rwanda and M23. The rebels state their fight is against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DR Congo's leadership.
The situation remains tense as the international community calls for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, while the local population continues to suffer from the ongoing violence.