Conflict in Kalembe: Reclaimed by Army or Retained by Rebels?
The Congolese military announced it had reclaimed the town of Kalembe from the M23 rebels, who deny this claim. The situation remains tense with ongoing fighting, and a humanitarian crisis prevails in the region with millions displaced.
On Tuesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military announced that it had reclaimed control over the town of Kalembe from the M23 rebels, just one day after the insurgents had captured it. However, M23 representatives disputed this claim, stating they still possessed the town. Kalembe, a small locality situated within Walikale territory in the conflict-ridden North Kivu region, fell under M23 control on Sunday morning, as the group succeeded in dislodging Congolese armed forces and allied militias. The Tutsi-led M23 faction has been conducting a resurgent insurgency in eastern Congo since 2022. Allegations have emerged from both the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations, asserting that the neighboring nation of Rwanda supports the M23 with military personnel and arms, an accusation that Rwanda vehemently denies. According to military spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge, the town of Kalembe was retaken on Monday. However, Corneille Nangaa, a figurehead of the Congo River Alliance—affiliated with the M23—asserted that the rebels were continuing to exert control over the area. Ekenge confirmed that combat persisted between pro-government militias and M23 forces in regions that remained outside military oversight. In response to the deteriorating situation, Congolese military units were airlifted into the region on Monday morning. The incursion by M23 into Kalembe goes against a ceasefire agreement facilitated by Angola in August, as noted by Angola’s government. Kabaki Alimasi, an official from Walikale territory, corroborated the army’s claim of reclaiming the town but stated that hostilities were ongoing nearby. He emphasized, “The M23 are not far. We can hear gunfire; the population that fled has not yet returned.” The protracted insurgency in eastern Congo, a region abundant in minerals, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in North Kivu, with the United Nations reporting that approximately 2.6 million individuals were displaced by the end of September.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been beset by instability, particularly in its eastern regions, driven by numerous armed groups vying for control and influence. The M23 group, primarily composed of Tutsi fighters, has been a significant player in the ongoing conflict, which reinvigorated in 2022 after a temporary lull. Accusations of foreign intervention, specifically regarding Rwanda’s alleged support for M23, further complicate the situation, straining regional relations. The humanitarian crisis resulting from these conflicts is severe, with millions displaced and in dire need of assistance. The town of Kalembe symbolizes the ongoing struggle for power in the region, reflecting a broader pattern of violence and displacement exacerbated by failed ceasefire agreements.
In summary, while the Congolese army claims to have regained control of Kalembe, the M23 rebels contest this assertion, highlighting ongoing conflict in the area. The situation underscores the complexities of the insurgency in eastern Congo, influenced by regional dynamics and leading to significant humanitarian repercussions. Despite military interventions and ceasefire agreements, stability remains elusive as fighting continues in multiple areas.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
