Congo's Army Reclaims Kalembe from M23 Rebels

The Democratic Republic of Congo's army has recaptured the eastern town of Kalembe from M23 rebels, a day after it was seized. The area, located in the conflict-ridden North Kivu, has been the center of insurgency led by the Tutsi-led M23 group since 2022.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's army announced on Tuesday that it has successfully recaptured the eastern town of Kalembe from M23 rebels, just a day after it had fallen into the insurgents' hands. Kalembe, nestled in the Walikale territory of militia-stricken North Kivu, was seized by M23 on Sunday morning.

The M23, a Tutsi-led group, has been actively involved in the insurgency in Congo's eastern region since 2022. Accusations have been flying between Congo, the United Nations, and Rwanda, alleging that Rwanda is providing support to the M23 rebels with military aid. Rwanda has refuted these claims.

Fighting, led by the Wazalendo alliance, some of whom are pro-government, continues near the reclaimed town. Despite the army taking control says Sylvain Ekenge, the army spokesman, fighting persisted. With the insurgents still close, residents remain displaced, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting around 2.6 million people in North Kivu.

(With inputs from agencies.)