The Misinga locals of the Ikobo tribal group in the North Kivu area of the Democratic Republic of Congo are returning to their village after more than four months of displacement due to the fighting between the country’s army and the M23 rebels. They had fled following the capture of Buleusa town in the Walikale territory.
The population dispersed in different directions for safety: some sought refuge in the forest, others fled to Usala under Wazalendo control, and another group escaped to neighbouring Lubero. After facing tormenting hardship, most of the people have decided to return to their village despite the persistence of insecurity in the zone.
“In the forest, we had been suffering. We lacked everything. No soap, no salt, no medicines. Why remain in the bush when we were seeing death in front of us? We have seen that remaining in the bush meant suffering, same as if we were in the village. That is why we have decided to return to our houses, because there is suffering everywhere. It is better to suffer in the village than in the forest,” said Moise Mumbere, a returning resident of Misinga.
Back home, the returnees face a harsh reality. Access to basic social services is severely lacking, with primary healthcare being a major challenge. Essential supplies are unavailable, and schools remain closed. In the meantime, the M23/AFC rebels still control Buleusa while the Wazalendo are in Rusamambu, two localities close to Misinga. Residents of Rusamambu have already deserted the town following the precarious security situation in the region.
The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has been clashing with the Congolese army (FARDC), capturing Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu. The group seeks to consolidate control over Goma, nearby mineral-rich areas, and surrounding supply lines.
The conflict is fueled by disputes over citizenship rights for Congolese of Rwandan descent, control of natural resources, and the weak legitimacy of the DRC government. M23’s advances have strengthened its control over critical mineral resources and supply lines to Rwanda, sparking fears of a regional conflagration.
Rwanda’s support for M23 has strained relations with the DRC and Burundi, which have deployed troops to fight alongside FARDC forces. Uganda’s role is complex, with alleged support for M23 and joint operations with FARDC against other armed groups.
The Misinga locals from the Ikobo tribal group in the Democratic Republic of Congo are returning to their village after being displaced for over four months due to conflict between the country’s army and M23 rebels. Despite the ongoing insecurity, many have chosen to return home from refuges in forests and neighboring areas, facing severe shortages and hardships both in exile and upon their return.
Back in Misinga, the returnees confront significant challenges due to a lack of essential services like healthcare and education, while schools remain closed. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, continue clashing with Congolese forces over control of resource-rich regions, fueling tensions with neighboring countries and sparking fears of broader regional conflict. Rwanda’s support of M23 has strained its relations with the DRC and Burundi, with complex dynamics involving Uganda’s alleged support and joint military operations further complicating the situation.