By CHIMPREPORTS
Intense fighting is underway in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between pro-government Wazalendo fighters and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
The fighting comes at a time DRC is tallying results from last week’s presidential elections.
On Tuesday, the fighting occurred in Mushaki about 7kms from the Sake town.
DRC maintains heavily-armed forces around Sake as the town serves as a critical artery for its logistical supplies.
Capturing Sake means choking off the Congolese armed forces’ supply routes to Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
If Sake falls, Congolese forces will not be able to defend Goma which sits on the border with Rwanda.
Locals said they heard explosions in several hills in Cafe, Kobokobo and Mitumbala.
Government forces say they were provoked by M23 rebels who are trying to seize Sake.
M23 political leader, Bertrand Bisiimwa said they were attacked by the coalition of government forces and several militia groups with heavy weapons, destroying civilian homes and killing innocent civilians.
“The Congolese Revolutionary Army (coalition of rebel movements) is working to put the enemy out of harm’s way and guarantee the protection of citizens and their property,” said Bisimwa.
For months, clashes between armed groups and government troops have taken place in the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo, displacing over 300,000 people.
The MONUSCO Force Commander, Brigadier General Otávio Rodrigues de Miranda Filho recently ordered the formation of defence systems to defend Sake and Goma from falling into M23’s hands.
Otavio said the rebels were advancing towards the south, along the national road 2 (RN2) and from provincial road 1030 towards Sake, a city which is intended to be an essential point in the defence of Goma.
In Kinshasa, the electoral body, CENI, is tallying votes in the recently-concluded elections. As of Tuesday, incumbent Felix Tshisekedi was leading his rivals.
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