Masisi Residents Hide in Homes as M23 and Wazalendo Clash Again

The town of Masisi, in North Kivu, is in panic after new fighting broke out early this morning between M23 rebels and Wazalendo fighters in nearby villages. According to radiookapi, the sound of heavy and light weapons woke up residents around 5 a.m., causing fear and forcing many to stay inside their homes.

The clashes started near the village of Kanii, not far from Masisi's town center. Some sources say the Wazalendo fighters attacked to remove M23 from the area they have controlled for months. But other reports say M23 launched a counterattack from the Nyabiondo axis, trying to push back Wazalendo fighters who had been threatening their position since Monday.

READ ALSO | Wazalendo Fighters Push M23 Rebels Out of Key Towns in Eastern DRC

People living in neighborhoods like Imara and Bireré, especially near the Masisi referral hospital, stayed hidden in their houses as the violence unfolded. So far, no official report has been released about casualties or the full impact of the fighting.

Local sources say the fighting became less intense around 9 a.m., but the situation is still tense and could change at any moment.

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