Goma – The town of Bibwe, located in the Bashali chiefdom in Masisi territory, North Kivu province, came under the control of M23 on Tuesday, September 9, following two days of violent clashes with government-aligned militias known as the Wazalendo.
Local sources reported that heavy fighting raged for 48 hours before M23 took control of the area.
The number of casualties is still unknown, but residents described a climate of fear and panic, with many civilians fleeing into the bush to escape the violence.
The capture of Bibwe further extends M23’s zone of influence in Masisi, a territory that has seen repeated confrontations with government forces and allied groups.
Two days earlier, community leaders from the Kisimba groupement in neighboring Walikale territory warned of M23’s intention to push toward the strategic town of Pinga.
They urged the Congolese defense and security forces to take swift action to block further advances into unoccupied localities.
The situation remains tense, with concerns that the fighting could displace more civilians and widen instability across Masisi and surrounding territories.