A group of militia fighters from the Biroze-Bishambuke faction, mainly composed of people from the Pfulero ethnic group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, turned their weapons on each other. They killed a girl closely related to Colonel Ngomanzito, the group’s top commander in Fizi Territory.
According to reports from Rugezi, an area near the scene of the clashes, “They shot and killed a Pfulero girl who was closely related to Col. Ngomanzito, and also killed the commander of the Wazalendo battalion stationed in Gasiro.”
The conflict is said to have been sparked by a disagreement over looted goods from Gasiro market, which Wazalendo fighters had stolen but failed to agree on how to divide. After the killing of the girl and the commander, close relatives of Col. Ngomanzito reportedly retaliated.
It is further reported that although the girl died from gunshots, the root of the conflict lay in a dispute between the battalion commander in Gasiro and another commander named Nakuku Mamba. Both men were eventually shot and killed.
As a result, Col. Ngomanzito has been summoned to Uvira to explain the incident, as confirmed by local residents: “They clashed and killed each other. We learned that Ngomanzito was called to Uvira to explain this situation,” said his fighters.
The infighting has spread to other areas, with ongoing gunfire reported in Gitumba, towards Kabanju, in the southwestern part of Minembwe commune.
A witness stated: “Just now, on this Saturday evening, they are exchanging fire in Gitumba. The situation is serious.” The fighting reportedly began around 6:30 PM.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the Biroze-Bishambuke fighters started fighting each other in Gasiro just as they were preparing to launch attacks on Twirwaneho and M23 positions in Rugezi.
