The resumption of heavy fighting between the M23 rebels and DRC government troops in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province has created panic in the area.

The fighting which had ceased for more than two months resumed on Thursday afternoon in Rangira, Rutshuru territory. Later in the evening, M23 rebels released a press statement signed by their political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, accusing the government forces of provocation.

The rebels also accused the government troops of collaborating with other militia groups of Mai-Mayi, Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, and Nyatura to launch attacks on areas now occupied by the M23.

The statement adds that the M23 is acting in self-defence since the government has refused their outstretched hand to a direct dialogue.

The DRC government is yet to issue a statement concerning the attack which came at a time when thousands of refugee, are crossing back to Ruthuru from Uganda where they had fled to.

They are mainly protesting a decision by Ugandan authorities to transfer them to the Nakivale refugee settlement.