Speaking to Radio Okapi, several people who fled from M23-held localities in the territory of Rutshuru and Masisi, in North Kivu, accused the insurgent force of forcibly recruiting boys and girls into their ranks, as well as committing murder and rape.

According to the testimonies of young refugees in Beni, the regions under occupation are experiencing situations such as summary executions of civilians and the burning of houses.

The province of North Kivu is the target of M23 attacks, which provoke the displacement of thousands of people for fear of being victims of the war or of falling into the hands of the rebels.

Last Saturday, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC, known as Monusco, reported on its account on the social network X, that the blue helmets were deployed to secure a corridor to protect fleeing civilians.

Fighting was concentrated in Bushuwe and Kabati on Kilolirwe road, and there were also clashes on several routes in Masisi and Rutshuru territories, especially in the town of Mweso.

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