The M23 attempted to extend its offensive to strategic South Kivu areas, particularly the Kabingo mining field, the Army and its allies responded and managed to retake the Bitagata and Kamakale ridges in the Kalehe territory and Ruzirantaka, Kamatale, Bigatala, and Kabingo.

The rebels hold several communities and strategic enclaves. Since late December, they have intensified their attacks on the Lubero and Masisi territory, in North Kivu province, in violation of the ceasefire agreed between the DRC and Rwanda, in force since August 4.

A meeting on stability and security was held this Saturday in Goma, the capital city of that province, supervised by Angolan General Zao Lourenço, governor and coordinator of the Joint Reinforced Verification Mechanism (MCV-R).

The officer pointed out that the MCV-R verifies allegations of ceasefire violations by all parties to the conflict, aimed at restoring peace and security, but also building confidence between the warring parties through neutral and impartial observation of the combat zones.

The meeting was focused on several aspects, including the M23 offensives in North Kivu province, where this Rwandan-backed armed group “continues to pose a significant threat despite efforts at negotiation and military intervention,” Lourenço said, according to the Congolese Press Agency (ACP, in French).

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