The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army has regained control of Kalembe, a town in North Kivu that was briefly seized by M23 rebels. Army spokesman Sylvain Ekenge confirmed on Tuesday that military forces regained control on Monday.
Kalembe, a town in Walikale territory, was taken by M23 on Sunday morning. The group has been active in eastern Congo since 2022 and is accused by Congo and the United Nations of receiving support from Rwanda. The alleged motive for Rwanda’s involvement is its desire to protect Tutsis in Congo, as well as control the mineral-rich region of North Kivu, which borders Rwanda. Rwanda, however, has consistently denied these accusations.
Reuters reported that troops were deployed via helicopter on Monday morning to counter the insurgents. Although Kalembe has been reclaimed, clashes between pro-government Wazalendo forces and M23 rebels continue in surrounding areas. According to local official Kabaki Alimasi, the insurgents are still nearby, with ongoing gunfire preventing the return of fleeing residents.
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