DR Congo’s armed forces say they have recaptured several positions and halted advances by Rwandan troops and AFC/M23 fighters in parts of North and South Kivu…reports Africa Daily News Desk
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) armed forces have claimed to have repelled attacks by Rwandan troops and their allies from the AFC/M23 rebel group in North and South Kivu, reporting the recovery of several positions and advances in parts of the conflict-hit eastern region. The military also said its forces had halted the enemy’s advance in Bunyakiri as fighting continues to threaten civilian populations.
In a statement issued from Kinshasa on November 11, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) accused the Rwandan army and AFC/M23 fighters of intensifying attacks against its positions in North Kivu and South Kivu over recent weeks.
The military said the attacks had endangered the lives of civilians who had already endured prolonged insecurity in the region.
In response, the FARDC said it had taken measures to protect the country’s territorial integrity and safeguard people and their property. It reiterated its determination to defend the country and resist what it described as attacks by the Rwandan army and terrorist auxiliaries associated with former president Joseph Kabila.
According to the statement, government forces had successfully countered attacks along several fronts, stopping attempts by opposing forces to advance.
The military claimed that several positions previously held by Rwandan troops had been recaptured, particularly in the high and middle plateaus of Fizi and Uvira.
It also said its defence and security forces continued to hold their ground in the territories of Mwenga and Shabunda, where they had recorded what it described as significant advances.
Where have government forces reported gains?
The FARDC identified Bunyakiri as another area where its forces had made progress, claiming that loyalist troops had halted the advance of Rwandan forces and were fully mobilised to restore peace in the region.
However, the statement did not provide independent verification of the military claims or detailed information about the scale of the fighting and the casualties involved.
The military also reported continued surrenders among fighters belonging to the opposing coalition.
According to the FARDC, many of those surrendering had been forcibly recruited and subsequently used as slaves and as cannon fodder on the battlefield.
The statement said the fighters had expressed relief after being received by government forces, claiming they were finally being treated as human beings.
The army urged those still fighting alongside the opposing forces to lay down their weapons and return to the government-controlled side.
It also appealed to civilians to remain vigilant and avoid believing what it described as alarming reports and claims circulated by the enemy and its supporters.
The FARDC alleged that such information was part of propaganda and disinformation efforts intended to demoralise the country.
The latest statement comes amid continued instability in eastern DR Congo, where armed confrontations have repeatedly threatened civilian safety and disrupted communities.
The military reiterated its commitment to defending the country’s territory and restoring peace in the affected areas.
The statement was signed by Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa Efomi, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
