In a significant breakthrough against escalating violence in eastern Congo, the Congolese army unveiled lately it has reclaimed key towns in North Kivu province from M23 rebels, marking a turning point in the battle to stabilize the conflict-ridden region. This comes after numerous attempts to bring calm to the troubled region.
In a bold counteroffensive, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have retaken several strategic towns in the North Kivu province from the clutches of M23 rebels, the Army announced on Monday.
Ngungu, Bitagata, Ruzirantaka, Lumbishi, Kamatale, and Kabingo, regions plagued by years of instability, are now back under government control. Speaking from the reclaimed town of Ngungu, Col. Ndjike Kaiko Guillaume, spokesperson for the North Kivu army, underscored the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilians, even amid a fragile cease-fire.
“The rebels aimed to push toward South Kivu, but we halted their advance and secured vital territories,” said Guillaume. “While we honor the cease-fire, our forces will act decisively against any attacks that endanger civilians or displace communities.”
This renewed military push comes as North Kivu grapples with escalating violence, compounded by deadly raids from the ISIS-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Recent ADF attacks claimed 12 civilian lives, adding to the region’s turmoil.
Since the year began, over 100,000 people have been displaced, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Aid organizations face mounting challenges, with insecurity hampering the delivery of critical supplies like food and medicine.
As resources dwindle and the humanitarian crisis deepens, the FARDC’s gains offer a glimmer of hope, but the road to lasting peace remains fraught with obstacles.
