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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Conflict & Security

DRC Army Recaptures Villages from Rebels in South Kivu

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The Congolese army (FARDC) has recaptured three villages in the Fizi territory of South Kivu from Twiraneho rebels.
  • The FARDC conducted a strategic withdrawal from 'point zero' for tactical reasons, while rebels retreated south of Minembwe.
  • The army remains committed to restoring state authority, with the vice-governor urging calm despite conflicting reports about rebel advances.

Congolese army forces (FARDC) have successfully reclaimed three villages in the Fizi territory of South Kivu, previously occupied by the Twiraneho rebel group and their allies. The recapture follows intense fighting in the region surrounding Minembwe, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.

According to Lieutenant Reagan Mbuyi, spokesperson for Operation Sokola 2 South-Kivu, the villages of Kashamata, Wihene, and Kimete are now under FARDC control. He stated that the rebels were forced to retreat towards Rugezi and Bigaragara, located south of Minembwe, during the clashes. The FARDC reaffirmed its dedication to re-establishing state authority across the nation.

The FARDC remain determined to re-establish state authority over the entire national territory.

— Lieutenant Reagan MbuyiAffirming the army's commitment following the recapture of villages.

These developments come amidst conflicting reports, with some sources claiming that the Twiraneho fighters, reportedly backed by the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF), have captured Mikenge and 'point zero'. During weekend fighting, the administrator of Fizi territory denounced the alleged use of drones originating from Rwanda violating Congolese airspace. The vice-governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Elakano, however, denied rumors of Baraka falling to rebels and called for public calm.

The rumors about Baraka falling into the hands of rebels are false. We urge the population to remain calm and continue their activities.

— Vice-governor Jean-Jacques ElakanoAddressing rumors and reassuring the public during a security council meeting.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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