DR Congo Claims Key Towns Recaptured from Rebels Amid Ongoing Fighting
Government forces reclaim strategic areas, but conflict in eastern DRC persists
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) military has announced the recapture of several towns previously controlled by armed groups in the country’s conflict-ridden eastern region. However, fierce fighting continues as rebels retain control over other key areas.
Government Forces Regain Strategic Towns
The Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) confirmed the retaking of multiple towns, including Ngungu in North Kivu’s Masisi territory, a strategically important location near the provincial capital, Goma. Other recovered areas include Lumbishi, Ruzirantaka, Kamatale, Bitagata, and Kabingo, according to army spokesperson Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko.
“They [the rebels] have seen their advance halted by the FARDC,” Kaiko stated on Sunday, attributing the victories to coordinated military operations in the region.
Despite these gains, rebels have continued to make advances in other areas, with parts of Masisi, including its central hub, still under their control.
A Region Plagued by Violence
Eastern DRC has been mired in conflict for decades, with over 100 armed groups vying for control of the region’s vast mineral resources. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2022 has worsened the situation, displacing nearly two million people.
The Congolese government and the United Nations have accused neighboring Rwanda of backing M23 with military support, allegations that Rwanda denies. The fighting has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region, which has seen around six million deaths and seven million internally displaced people since 1998.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
The news of reclaimed towns has sparked mixed emotions among displaced villagers. While some see hope in the possibility of returning home, many remain fearful for their safety.
“We are in Ngungu, but the security situation is still fragile,” said Nsabimana Alexis, a resident. “People continue to die—just 30 minutes ago, we buried someone.”
Rita Ritagaza, another resident, described the dire conditions. “M23 has been launching heavy artillery on our homes. We are trying to flee. We just want a safe place for our family.”
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Aid organizations warn that continued clashes have made dozens of villages inaccessible, further straining resources for displaced people.
“Conditions are extremely difficult. We are overstretched and facing an uncertain future,” said David Munkley, director of the NGO World Vision in Eastern DRC.
In Masisi, displaced camps are overwhelmed with new arrivals, and humanitarian groups are struggling to meet the growing needs. “We are doing our best to respond, but the severe lack of humanitarian aid in the area makes it challenging,” said Romain Briey, coordinator for Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
As fighting continues, the future remains uncertain for millions in the eastern DRC, where the cycle of conflict and displacement shows no signs of ending.