The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) has announced the recovery of several strategic villages in Rutshuru territory as fighting with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels escalates in North Kivu province.
In a statement released by the army on Tuesday, the recovery and dislodging of M23 rebels from the villages during heavy fighting on Monday is a major victory to the unweaving commitment to restoring peace, security and territorial integrity in the eastern regions of DR Congo.
The statement affirms that FARDC will not cease their efforts until every inch of the territory is liberated from rebel occupation and the security of citizens is fully restored.
The army urged the population to remain united, and resilient and to support the military forces in the fight to ensure lasting peace in DRC.
“The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have successfully recovered and liberated several strategic villages and towns in Rutshuru territory and its surroundings, previously under the control of the M23-RDF rebel coalition. This major victory is a testament to our unwavering commitment to restoring peace, security and territorial integrity in the eastern regions of our nation. Under the leadership of the Supreme Commander, His Excellency Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the FARDC continues to firmly resist any threat to our homeland. Our forces will not cease their efforts until every inch of our territory is liberated from rebel occupation and the security of our fellow citizens is fully restored” reads the statement.
Though the army did not reveal names of the recovered villages citing security reasons, a reliable source revealed to our reporter on condition of anonymity that a large area that was controlled by the M23 in Baruta, Bwito Chiefdom is among the recovered areas. M23 rebels are yet to release a statement about FARDC’s announcement.
Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 rebels’ spokesperson only released a statement on Tuesday accusing FARDC and militia coalition Wazalendo (patriots) of launching an assault against M23 fighters’ positions in Lukopfu, Gisuma, Bufaransa and Zunguruka in Masisi territory in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
Kanyuka argues that the assault caused losses of many human lives and displacements. He added that M23 fighters are defending themselves.
“This Tuesday, September 17, 2024, around 00:30, violent attacks were carried out by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime against densely populated areas in Lukopfu, Gisuma, Bufaransa and Zunguruka. These attacks caused many losses of human life and displaced several of our compatriots, thus sowing terror and desolation. The Congolese Revolutionary Army is currently defending and protecting our compatriots” says Kanyuka in a statement.
Heavy fighting between the M23 and FARDC soldiers and the coalition has in recent days resumed in North Kivu province raising fresh tension and displacement of civilians.
The conflict between M23 and the Congolese government began in March 2022, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga. The war led to the M23/AFC capture and control of large parts of Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo and Lubero territories in North Kivu province.
The DR Congo government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that both Rwanda and M23 deny. The rebels assert that their fight is against corruption, xenophobia and discrimination within the DR Congo’s leadership.