FARDC, FDLR clash in Bunagana

Reports from locals indicate that at least 25 civilians and Congolese army (FARDC) soldiers were killed on Sunday, November 3, at the Uganda – Congo Border town of Bunagana following fierce fighting between FARDC and FDLR

This comes as a surprise since the two forces have been fighting alongside each other as allies. The fighting which intensified at around 4:00pm saw a big number of civilians cross the border into Uganda fleeing from the fighting between the two factions of the FARDC , FDLR- MONUSCO coalition.

The coalition occupied Bunagana on Wednesday following the withdrawal of M23 rebels.

According to sources, the clashes between the allies could have been fuelled by FARDC’s refusal to give up weapons to FDLR which is believed to be the deal between the two sides. The sources believe that the incident was not a mistake, but a result of the lack of confidence by FDLR towards its ally (FARDC).

“The FDLR are accusing FARDC for being liars. They don’t have confidence in President Joseph Kabila KABANGE on his support to infiltrate Rwanda,” says the source who adds that the deal was to help FARDC fight M23 and then FARDC would in return help the FDLR to return home in Rwanda.

It is reported that about 1,000 FDLR militias from Busanza and Karambi were supposed to strengthen the Bunagana front to launch the final assault scheduled for today.

They have however, changed goal posts and instead of occupying the front line against the M23 in Cyanzu, the FDLR have decided to take the road back to Rwanda through the Virunga National Park.

Sources say that Colonel Gasari is leading the contingent of 1,000 militias who entered the Virunga National Park at the foot of mount Sabyinyo. Among the officers commanding the troops, people noticed commanders YASOLO, Gavana , KASONGO,MWAMI , Koffi and Claude the commander of the troops that were based at Kinyana .

“The commanders are determined to return to Rwanda to fight based on the recommendations of Tanzanian and Congolese presidents,” says the source.

Having been unable to convince their allies until the end of the war, FARDC opened fire and clashes lasted more than two hours before seeing the FDLR disappear heavily armed, in the forest for a new adventure.

This incident is expected to harm relations between the allies (FARDC and FDLR). The Tanzanian contingent that is in the Intervention Brigade tried to convince the FDLR to wait until the end of M23 and plan an organized departure to Rwanda, something the FDLR didn’t accept.