For more than 72 hours now, tough fighting has been going on between elements of the M23/RDF coalition and the FARDC, supported by volunteers for the defense of the fatherland (VDP), on several axes in the territory of Masisi (North Kivu). These clashes are causing new movements of populations towards various destinations including health facilities.
Several residents found temporary refuge in the grounds of the Masisi general hospital and the Nyabiondo reference health center, both supported by Médecins sans frontières (MSF).
Some injured following these clashes are being treated in these two health structures.
“The Médecins Sans Frontières teams continue their support to the Ministry of Health in these two structures and have treated 53 injured people in Masisi and 13 in Nyabiondo since Wednesday. As the fighting continues, Médecins Sans Frontières recalls the need to treat and protect the wounded, respecting medical personnel and structures as well as respecting international humanitarian law,” said MSF in an information note.
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Fighting has resumed since Saturday afternoon between elements of the M23/RDF coalition and local “Wazalendo” fighters on the Katale-Masisi center axis, passing through Lushebere, just after a brief moment of calm.
Several sources confirm that the towns of Lushebere and Masisi center have already come under the control of M23 terrorists, after a strategic withdrawal carried out by loyalist forces in order to avoid collateral damage among civilians.
Jonathan Kombi, in Goma
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