The Congolese army claims to have retaken Kalembe from M23 rebels, who deny losing control of the town; fighting continues nearby. This conflict highlights the ongoing insurgency in eastern Congo, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in North Kivu, with millions displaced.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military announced on Tuesday that it had successfully retaken the eastern town of Kalembe, which had been captured by M23 rebels the prior day. This small town, located in the Walikale territory of the North Kivu province, fell to M23 control early on Sunday morning when the rebels overpowered Congolese armed forces alongside pro-government militia groups. Since 2022, the Tutsi-led M23 group has escalated its insurgency in eastern Congo, drawing accusations from the Congolese government and the United Nations of receiving support from troops and weapons supplied by neighboring Rwanda, a claim that Rwanda categorically rejects. Military spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge stated that Kalembe was regained on Monday, yet Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Congo River Alliance—which encompasses the M23—contended that the rebels maintained control of the town. Ekenge further reported ongoing clashes between pro-government militia and M23 forces in areas not currently under the army’s jurisdiction. To address the situation, troops were transported via helicopter on Monday morning. The recent incursion of M23 into Kalembe is reported to be in breach of a ceasefire mediated by Angola in August, as confirmed by the Angolan government. Moreover, local official Kabaki Alimasi echoed the military’s claims regarding the army’s recovery of the town while indicating that combat continued in the vicinity. “The M23 are not far,” he stated, adding that the local population displaced by the violence has yet to return due to ongoing hostilities. According to United Nations figures, the persistent insurgency in Congo’s resource-rich eastern regions has resulted in approximately 2.6 million individuals being displaced as of the end of September.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern regions like North Kivu, has been characterized by various militia groups vying for control, notably the M23 rebels. The M23, which resurfaced in 2022, is primarily composed of Tutsi fighters and is accused of receiving outside support, leading to international tensions, especially with Rwanda. The conflict has severely impacted civilians, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis marked by widespread displacement and the violation of ceasefires intended to pacify these volatile areas. Regular reports from governmental and humanitarian organizations highlight the dire consequences of the unrest, including rising numbers of internally displaced persons.
In summary, the situation in Kalembe emphasizes the ongoing struggle between the Congolese military and the M23 rebels, with conflicting reports about control of the town. The humanitarian implications are dire, as the conflict continues to displace millions, and the region remains fraught with violence despite attempts at ceasefires. The international community, particularly through organizations such as the United Nations, remains focused on the escalation of this crisis and the need for sustained peace efforts.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
