DR Congo Forces Strike Back, Recover Seized Town

DR Congo Military Regains Control of Strategic Town from Rebel Group

“We can hear gunfire, the population that fled has not yet returned...”

DR Congo Army Retakes Kalembe from M23 Rebels Amid Ongoing Fighting, Humanitarian Crisis

The Democratic Republic of Congo's army announced on October 22 that it has retaken control of Kalembe, a small eastern town seized by M23 rebels just a day prior. Located in North Kivu's Walikale territory, Kalembe fell to the rebels on October 20.

The M23 group, led by Tutsi forces, launched an insurgency in eastern Congo in 2022. Their capture of Kalembe was brief, as Congolese forces swiftly regained control.

Kabaki Alimasi, an official from Walikale territory, has confirmed that the Democratic Republic of Congo's army has successfully regained control of the eastern town of Kalembe from M23 rebels. However, the situation remains volatile, with Alimasi noting, “the M23 are not far” and “We can hear gunfire, the population that fled has not yet returned.” This ongoing conflict is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in North Kivu, a region rich in minerals, where approximately 2.6 million people have been displaced as of September, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The M23 insurgency has been wreaking havoc in eastern Congo since 2022, with reports of summary executions, forced recruitment of civilians, and ethnic violence. The conflict has also led to a significant displacement of people, with many fleeing their homes in search of safety. Efforts to address the crisis are underway, with negotiations between Congo and Rwanda taking place in Luanda, Angola, as part of a long-term initiative to reduce violence.

Humanitarian Crisis in North Kivu

Displacement: Approximately 2.6 million people displaced as of September 

Causes: M23 insurgency, ethnic violence, and conflict over mineral resources

Consequences: Human rights abuses, summary executions, and forced recruitment of civilians

International Response

• Negotiations between Congo and Rwanda in Luanda, Angola
• Efforts to reduce violence and address humanitarian crisis
• Calls for international pressure on Rwanda to end support for M23 rebels.