Heavy fighting has reportedly resumed in Kalehe Territory, in South Kivu Province, where the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), alongside Wazalendo fighters, say they have regained control of several areas that had recently been associated with AFC/M23 activities.
Col. Eric Tungane, a spokesperson for Wazalendo in the area, told Rwandatribune that following intense fighting in several parts of Kalehe, Wazalendo fighters, working alongside FARDC forces, had retaken control of Mutara, Kivoka, Tushungute and Kashovu, as well as the area where an AFC/M23 headquarters was reportedly located in Nteko-Miko.
Tungane said the developments followed heavy clashes between the two sides, with FARDC and Wazalendo launching attacks against AFC/M23 positions.
The Wazalendo official also said that 11 AFC/M23 fighters had been captured during the fighting, including one commander. He added that both small arms and heavier weapons, along with ammunition, were seized from the fighters.
The claims were also backed by the FARDC spokesperson in South Kivu, Lt. Reagan Kalonji, who said government forces, together with Wazalendo fighters, had managed to retake several areas in Kalehe.
Kalehe is one of the territories in South Kivu that has experienced prolonged fighting between FARDC and allied armed groups on one side and AFC/M23 fighters on the other.
The fighting in the area has repeatedly resulted in shifts in territorial control, particularly in the Ziralo area, where Kivoka and Tushunguti are located.
Although FARDC and Wazalendo say they have regained control of the areas mentioned, Rwandatribune has not been able to independently verify whether all of these locations were previously under AFC/M23 control or whether they have now all returned to the hands of FARDC and Wazalendo forces.
Rwandatribune also attempted to contact AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka to obtain his side of the story regarding the fighting and the reported changes in territorial control in Kalehe. However, he could not be reached by the time this report was published.
Regarding the reported capture of 11 fighters, including one commander, as well as the seizure of weapons and ammunition, the information currently remains based on statements made by Col. Eric Tungane to Rwandatribune. Efforts are continuing to obtain confirmation from other independent sources.
By Mwizerwa Ally
Rwandatribune.rw
