Fierce fighting broke out on Sunday between the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) along with their coalition forces in Kirumba and surrounding areas in Lubero territory, North Kivu province, causing significant displacement of civilians.
The clashes reportedly began around 5:00 AM, with M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, confirming the intense fighting by 9:30 AM.
In his statement, Kanyuka claimed that the government forces and their coalition had initiated the assault, and the M23 fighters were defending themselves.
He condemned what he described as a “flagrant violation of the ceasefire” by the Kinshasa regime, stating that the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC) was defending the targeted civilian population.
As of now, the DR Congo army has not released an official statement regarding the incident. However, Colonel Alain Kiwewa, the administrator of Lubero territory, accused the M23 rebels on Saturday of violating the ceasefire by attacking positions held by the Wazalendo militia in Kathwa, Kirumba earlier in the week.
Kanyuka had also stated on Saturday evening, alleging that FARDC soldiers and their coalition were positioning heavy weaponry in areas like Katwa, Itwe, Kikubo, Ubangu, and Kamandi, with plans to assault M23 positions in Kirumba, Kaina, and Kanyabayonga. Heavy fighting was also reported on Saturday between M23 rebels and militia fighters (Wazalendo) along Kironko road near Buguri and Muheto towns, about 16 kilometers from Masisi-Centre, as well as in Kisuma, Nyange, Kaniro, and Lukopu in Masisi territory.
The ceasefire in question has been in effect since August 4, 2024, following an agreement between Rwanda and DR Congo, signed on July 30, 2024, in Luanda, Angola.
This ceasefire is part of the Ad-hoc Verification Mechanism, which was adopted in July 2022 by the Tripartite Summit of Angola, DR Congo, and Rwanda within the framework of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), aiming to pacify the Eastern DRC.
The ongoing conflict between the M23 and the Congolese government, which began in March 2022, has seen the rebels, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, capture large areas in Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Lubero territories in North Kivu province.
The DR Congo government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, an allegation that both Rwanda and the M23 rebels deny. The M23 asserts that their fight is against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DR Congo’s leadership.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum