The fierce fighting is concentrated in the upper and middle plateaus of Fizi territory, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. These confrontations pit the AFC/M23-Twirwaneho rebel coalition, which Kinshasa alleges receives support from the Rwandan army, against the FARDC-Wazalendo coalition, reportedly backed by the Burundian military.

While both sides trumpet their military advancements, residents are primarily concerned by the heavy militarization of Baraka and Fizi-Centre. These two strategically vital localities are experiencing daily life increasingly disrupted by the ongoing hostilities.

A strategic zone at the heart of the clashes

On the ground, rebel forces claim to have pushed forward from Mulima village, reaching the “Point Zéro” sector and advancing towards Mukera. However, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) refute this account, asserting that they have, in fact, recaptured several areas and successfully repelled the combatants further south.

Beyond these conflicting communiqués, the stakes are undeniably strategic. Baraka, nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, serves as the primary administrative hub for Fizi territory. This town is a critical link, connecting the Uvira territory to the north with Tanganyika province to the south.

Following the AFC/M23 rebel attack on Uvira and their subsequent retreat northward, Baraka has emerged as a crucial nexus for both civilian and military logistics. Its airfield and ports facilitate the transport of reinforcements across Lake Tanganyika. Concurrently, Fizi-Centre represents a key access point to the Minembwe Highlands, as well as to the Maniema and Tanganyika provinces.

Residents gripped by terror

In this government-controlled zone, inhabitants now live to the rhythm of gunfire and explosions. The almost nightly sound of shots has sown widespread panic. Businesses have adjusted their hours, opening around 9 AM and closing abruptly by 5 PM.

“There’s a significant military presence in the town; they’ve descended from the mountains. Every evening, activities cease suddenly. Bullets crackle in all directions… Recently, a drone-dropped bomb injured several people. We are living in a state of insecurity, and it deeply worries us, but we hold onto the belief that our government will find a resolution,” recounted Justin, a resident of Fizi.

Army pledges to re-establish control

Responding to the deteriorating security situation, the FARDC has initiated an offensive aimed at reclaiming villages in the Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga highlands that have fallen under rebel control. This region presents considerable challenges due to its difficult terrain and extremely limited telecommunications networks.

Lieutenant Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji, spokesperson for Operation Sukola 2 Sud-Sud-Kivu, conveyed a message of confidence and reassurance: “To the populations of Fizi, Mwenga, Uvira, and all of South Kivu, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo extend a message of confidence and calm. We assure you that all operational measures are in place to guarantee your protection, continue the reconquest, and progressively restore state authority across every part of the national territory.”

Human rights defenders under pressure

Despite these assurances, civil society organizations are reporting an escalating climate of intimidation. According to several human rights defenders, activists are increasingly subjected to arbitrary arrests, sequestrations, and abductions.

One activist, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “Human rights defenders are facing death threats, arbitrary arrests, and various forms of intimidation. They are frequently equated with allies of the AFC/M23 rebel movement. We implore the Congolese authorities to guarantee our safety and cease all forms of intimidation against us, as we are not participants in the armed conflict.”

On the ground, the intense fighting persists, with neither side gaining a decisive upper hand. The AFC/M23-Twirwaneho and the FARDC, supported by the Wazalendo, continue to accuse each other of using drones to bombard densely populated villages within the Minembwe region.

As the clashes drag on, the residents of Fizi and Baraka anxiously anticipate a further deterioration of the security situation and issue a fervent plea for the enduring return of peace.