By KT Reporter
The March 23 Movement (M23) rebels have captured Nzibira town and its surrounding areas, Southwest of Walungu territory in South Kivu province, following days of fierce fighting with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers and a coalition.
On Friday, rebels led by General Bernard Maheshe Byamungu, the Deputy Commander of operations and intelligence for M23, addressed some locals who braved the war and did not flee Nzibira town to keep calm.
Lawrence Kanyuka, M23 rebels’ political spokesperson, also released a statement on Saturday claiming that rebels have captured Nzibira town. Kanyuka claims that the decision to advance to Nzibira is a failure for FARDC and the coalition to respect ceasefire declarations by continuously fighting using drones and fighter jets in densely populated areas. “The Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) informs the public that the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime continue their deadly escalation, in blatant violation of the ceasefire and the Doha peace process.
He added, “This regime is intensifying its campaign of ethnic cleansing and coordinating attacks on civilians in densely populated areas from its headquarters in Uvira, using drones and fighter jets. Faced with this barbarity, the AFC/M23 reaffirms its unwavering determination to protect civilian populations and eliminate any threat at its source, as exemplified by Nzibira”, says Kanyuka in a statement.
The FARDC has not yet responded to the fall of Nzibira town into rebel hands. But, on September 20, military officials from the 3rd Defence Zone had already denounced a series of targeted attacks carried out by the AFC/M23 coalition against several localities in North and South Kivu, highlighting the seriousness of the security situation in these provinces.
The town of Nzibira is of particular importance in this area, known for its mineral wealth in cassiterite and Gold. For the FARDC, this city was a key point in their fight against armed groups in the region. Its loss is considered a major operational setback by local forces, according to locals.
The fall of Nzibira town also gives the M23 rebels an advantage in launching attacks in Shabunda territory. Such developments also continue to raise suspicions about whether the Qatar peace talks will yield positive results.
Rebels have controlled major areas of North and South Kivu provinces since the resumption of insurgency in 20The 22. The Democratic Republic of 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.
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