DR Congo Army Claims Control of Kalembe Amid Ongoing Clashes

The Congolese army claims to have retaken Kalembe from M23 rebels, though the rebels deny this control. Fighting continues in surrounding areas, raising humanitarian concerns for the displaced population. Accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 persist amid this conflict.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military announced on Tuesday that it has reclaimed the eastern town of Kalembe from the M23 rebels, just one day after the insurgents reportedly captured the town. Kalembe, located in the Walikale territory of North Kivu, fell under the control of the Tutsi-led M23 group on Sunday morning as they overthrew Congolese armed forces and pro-government militias. The M23 has been re-engaging in a sustained insurgency in eastern Congo since 2022, with accusations from both the Congolese government and the United Nations suggesting that Rwanda is providing support to the M23 insurgents. However, Rwanda firmly denies any involvement. Sylvain Ekenge, the spokesperson for the Congolese army, stated that the military had successfully retaken Kalembe as of Monday. Nevertheless, Corneille Nangaa, a leader within the Alliance for a Free Congo (AFC) that encompasses the M23 group, countered these claims by asserting that the rebels continue to maintain control of the town. Ongoing skirmishes between the pro-government militias and the M23 are reported in surrounding areas not yet under army control. In response to the conflict, military reinforcements were airlifted to the region early Monday morning. The incursion by the M23 into Kalembe constitutes a breach of a ceasefire that was negotiated with the assistance of Angola in August, as noted by the Angolan government. Kabaki Alimasi, an official from Walikale territory, corroborated the army’s statement regarding the recapture of the town, while acknowledging that hostilities persist in the vicinity. “The M23 are not far,” he stated. “We can hear gunfire, the population that fled has not yet returned.” The escalating violence in eastern Congo, rich in minerals, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with approximately 2.6 million individuals displaced as of late September, according to United Nations data.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been affected by instability and conflict, particularly in the eastern regions where various armed groups operate. The M23, primarily composed of Tutsis, has been engaged in insurgent activities since 2022, re-emerging after earlier conflicts that drew regional involvement. The complexity of the situation is heightened by claims of foreign intervention, particularly from Rwanda, leading to increased tensions between the two nations. The conflict has not only resulted in ongoing military confrontations but has also contributed to a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and vulnerable to violence, poverty, and lack of necessary resources.

In conclusion, the situation in Kalembe remains precarious, with conflicting reports regarding control of the town between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels. The recent clashes highlight the enduring instability in eastern Congo, compounded by international tensions and a dire humanitarian crisis stemming from ongoing violence. As the situation develops, continued monitoring and support for displaced populations are essential.

Original Source: www.voanews.com