Government forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have successfully recaptured several towns in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, according to a Congolese army spokesman.
The reclaimed towns include Lumbishi, Ruzirantaka, Kamatale, Bitagata, and Kabingo.
Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, army spokesman in North Kivu, attributed the victories to a joint military operation led by the commanders of the two provinces.
“They (the rebels) have seen their adventure come to a halt by the FARDC (Congolese security forces),” Kaiko said.
Despite this progress, the conflict in eastern Congo remains ongoing, with over 100 armed groups vying for territory in the region.
The conflict has led to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced, including 100,000 who have fled their homes this year.
The news of the recaptured towns has brought mixed feelings among villagers who had fled the areas.
While they celebrate their return home, they also worry about their safety due to the ongoing insecurity in the region. “We are in Ngungu … but we continue to suffer because the security is not well established,” said Nsabimana Alexis, a resident.
