AFC/M23 offensive gains ground in Walikale

Several villages in the Ikobo group, located in Walikale territory in North Kivu, have reportedly come under the control of AFC/M23 rebels following three days of fierce fighting with Wazalendo fighters from the Coalition of Movements for Change (CLC).

The rebel offensive, launched last Monday against multiple Wazalendo positions in the Ikobo group, enabled the rebels to advance and gain ground.

This development has raised concerns among local customary authorities, who report that all six villages in the Ikobo group — Iremya, Mirungi, Kanune, Banamuronga, Kalehe, and Kitanda — are now under rebel control.

The rebels have established new positions in key settlements, including Irimba, Kanune, Rusamambu, Bukumbirwa, Kilambo, and Busunzu. In response, the local population has fled their homes and taken refuge in the surrounding bush for safety.

In the neighboring Kisimba group, the rebels took control of Kalonge after clashes on Wednesday and Thursday. Villages such as Musambo, Kyanjikiro, Katobo, Ihula, Mbukuru, Mukohwa, Ngambi, and Buhimba also reportedly fell to the AFC/M23 rebels this week. The Wazalendo forces have retreated to Kashukano, Kisone, and Busaka.

Local authorities are calling on government forces to remain vigilant, warning that the rebels may attempt to encircle Pinga, a city they have been targeting for months.

At the same time, talks between the AFC/M23 rebels and the Congolese government have been ongoing in Doha, Qatar since April. However, these negotiations have so far failed to yield any tangible results. The current ceasefire remains fragile, with sporadic fighting continuing in Walikale, Rutshuru, Lubero, and Masisi territories in North Kivu, as well as in parts of South Kivu.

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