Government forces in eastern Congo have reclaimed several towns from armed groups in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, according to a statement from the Congolese army. This development comes amid ongoing conflicts with rebel forces in other parts of the region.
Eastern Congo has been mired in conflict for decades, with over 100 armed groups vying for control of its vast, mineral-rich territories near the Rwandan border. The violence has led to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, displacing over seven million people, including 100,000 this year alone.
The Congolese army stated that it had regained control of towns that had been under rebel occupation for months, including Ngungu in Masisi territory, close to the North Kivu provincial capital, Goma. Despite these successes, several areas, like the central Masisi Center, remain under rebel control.
“They [the rebels] have seen their adventure come to a halt by the FARDC [Congolese security forces],” said Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, the army spokesman for North Kivu. He listed Lumbishi, Ruzirantaka, Kamatale, Bitagata, and Kabingo among the recaptured towns, attributing the victories to coordinated military operations in both provinces.
The news of the towns’ recapture has evoked mixed emotions among displaced residents. While some are hopeful about returning home, others, like Nsabimana Alexis from Ngungu, remain wary. “We are in Ngungu … but we continue to suffer because the security is not well established,” Alexis remarked, noting that violence persists. “People continue to die; we just buried a person 30 minutes ago.”
Frequent clashes between government forces and rebels have made many villages inaccessible, depriving residents of essential aid. The M23 rebel group is particularly dominant in the region. The Congolese government and United Nations experts have accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that Rwanda denies.
In Masisi, the growing number of displaced individuals is straining camps and aid facilities. French charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has reported a severe humanitarian crisis. “We are doing our best to respond to this situation. But the severe lack of humanitarian responders in the area is making things difficult,” said Romain Briey, MSF’s coordinator in Masisi.
Calls for Dialogue Amid Accusations
Last week, Rwandan President Paul Kagame urged Congolese authorities to engage in dialogue with the M23 rebels, who have recently expanded their control in eastern Congo. Speaking in Kigali, Kagame emphasized the importance of political negotiations.
“There has to be an effort to continue finding a solution,” Kagame stated. “The solution lies in internal political process, or dialogue.”
However, Congo remains steadfast in its refusal to negotiate with the rebels, accusing Rwanda of backing M23 militarily. United Nations experts estimate that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops are present in Congo, a point of contention that further strains relations between the neighboring countries.
The recapture of key towns is a significant development, but the enduring conflict and humanitarian crisis highlight the challenges ahead for Congo’s government and its people.
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