The army of the Democratic Republic of Congo states it has recaptured Kalembe from M23 rebels, who deny this claim. Tensions in the eastern region persist with ongoing fighting reported, contributing to a worsening humanitarian crisis in North Kivu, where millions are displaced.
On Tuesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s armed forces announced the recapture of the town of Kalembe, which had recently fallen to M23 rebel control. M23 rebels, however, contested this claim, asserting they maintained control over the area. Kalembe, situated in the Walikale territory of North Kivu, succumbed to M23 forces on Sunday morning after being taken from Congolese military and allied pro-government militias. The M23, a group predominantly led by individuals of Tutsi descent, has intensified its military activities in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2022. The Congolese government and the United Nations have alleged that Rwanda provides military support to the M23, which the Rwandan government firmly denies. Military spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge proclaimed on Monday that the army had regained control of Kalembe. Nevertheless, Corneille Nangaa, a leader within the Congo River Alliance (AFC)—encompassing the M23—argued that the rebels continued to hold the town. Ekenge further conveyed that combat persisted between M23 rebels and pro-government forces in areas still not under military oversight. Helicopters were deployed carrying military personnel to address the situation promptly. The incursion by the M23 into Kalembe breached a ceasefire agreement that had been facilitated by Angola in August 2023, a violation acknowledged by Angola’s government. Kabaki Alimasi, an official from Walikale territory, confirmed the army’s recapture of the town but remarked on ongoing clashes in adjacent areas, noting, “The M23 are not far. We can hear gunfire, the population that fled has not yet returned.” The resurgence of conflict in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern provinces has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with approximately 2.6 million individuals displaced as reported by the United Nations as of the end of September 2023.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern provinces has been characterized by ongoing violence and conflict driven by various armed groups, notably the M23, which began its resurgence in 2022. The prevailing instability is partly attributed to geopolitical tensions involving neighboring countries such as Rwanda, accused of providing support to the M23. The humanitarian implications of this armed conflict have been severe, resulting in significant levels of displacement and a critical need for humanitarian assistance in the region.
In summary, while the Congolese army claims to have regained control of Kalembe from M23 rebels, the latter deny this assertion, implying ongoing tensions and conflict in the region. The allegations against Rwanda for supporting the M23 further complicate the situation. The continuing conflict not only poses a threat to regional stability but also deepens the humanitarian crisis impacting millions in North Kivu.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
