Heavy Fighting Rocks Bunagana in DRC

Heavy fighting continues in the DRC in the hills of Runyoni near the town of Bunagana in Rutshuru territory.

DRC forces reportedly launched the attacks to dislodge rebels of the Movement of March 23 (M23) from the hills.

According to residents of Bunagana, heavy gun fire started as early as 5 o’clock local time.

Government forces claim that since the fighting began, the military has already taken three vital hills in the area.

In the town of Bunagana located about 10km north-east of the venue of fighting, some residents already have taken refuge into Uganda.

Local sources indicate that people in places between the groups and Jomba Bweza also began to flee towards Rubare and Rutshuru-center. Rebels of M23 have been occupying the hills of Runyonyi for over a month.

In the middle of May, residents of Bunagana had fled to Uganda following clashes between the rebels and the army in their area before returning, reassured by the presence of peacekeepers and FARDC MONUSCO around hills and Runyoni Chanzu.