Thousands of refugees have crossed into neighbouring Uganda after M23 rebels attacked Congolese army bases in the wee hours of Monday morning.
According to reports, the rebel group fighting in Eastern part of Congo Sabinyo MTS Ranges in particular was engaged by FARDC forces specifically in areas of Runyonyi, Kyanzo, Bugusa, Kyengerero near Bunagana border (4km) all in the province of North Kivu.
According to the Kivu Security Tracker (KST) an American monitor of violence in the region, fighting continued until 11 am on Monday.
“This morning, M23 fighters attacked FARDC positions in Runyoni, Chanzu, and Ndiza in Rutshuru territory in North Kivu. The fighting which continued until around 11 am caused locals to flee towards Uganda,” KST said on Twitter.
The area on the DRC side border of Bunagana is said to have been captured by the rebels.
The Kigezi region police spokesperson, Elly Maate confirmed the development.
“The intensity of fighting has forced Congolese citizens to flee their country for their lives. All security agencies, however, have taken charge of the situation including Uganda Police Forces, UPDF, intelligence services, and UNHCR among others. The situation is under control and UNHCR has started ferrying Congolese to Nyakabande settlement camp,” Maate said in a statement.
A statement released by the Congolese army on Monday evening confirmed the attack but said the M23 rebels were being assisted by the Rwandan army.