Beni: The clashes have resumed between two local armed groups in Kabweke, located in the Baswagha-Madiwe groupement, approximately sixty kilometers west of Beni, Nord-Kivu. The renewed violence has caused panic among the local population, prompting some residents to flee to neighboring localities.

According to Radio Okapi, the two armed groups clashed throughout Saturday in Kabweke, within the Kipabashi locality, fighting for control over Kilima ya Alunguma hill, which hosts a mining site. An armed group from Kirumba in the Lubero territory is attempting to dislodge the Union of Patriots for the Liberation of Congo (UPLC), which is active in the area. In response to the escalation, some farmers have relocated to nearby localities such as Kamahume and Cantine.

The first confrontations between these militias date back to December last year. The local civil society reports that residents remain fearful of returning to their original homes. This is exemplified by the situation in Ngazi, where UPLC positions were repeatedly attacked throughout April.

This civic organization urges the authorities and security forces to implement preventive measures to end the activities of these armed groups, which not only create insecurity in the region but also begin to force young people to join their movements. Recently, during his visit to the area, the head of the Beni-Mbau sector stated that measures were already in place to silence the weapons between these two armed groups. However, these measures have evidently not yet taken effect.