FRN captures weapons after allied forces flee in South Kivu
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Taarifa
The National Resistance Front (FRN) has reportedly recovered weapons and ammunition abandoned by Congolese and Burundian forces after bombardments in South Kivu. The clashes also reportedly left more than 100 Burundian soldiers dead in two days, according to a source close to rebel operations cited by Taarifa.
FRN rebels seized a large quantity of weapons and ammunition abandoned by allied Congolese army forces and Burundian troops as they fled the hills of Kadezi, about 70 kilometres from Uvira, in South Kivu. A source at the front reported the seizure to Taarifa on Monday.
According to the source, the rebels bombed and shelled the allied forces’ positions, forcing them to abandon their posts. Another source close to FRN operations says more than 100 Burundian soldiers were reportedly killed or neutralised in South Kivu over the preceding two days. Burundian forces reportedly accuse the Congolese army of abandoning the fighting and leaving the FDLR and Wazalendo militias to bear the brunt of the clashes.
On Sunday, Congolese forces allied with Burundian troops and Wazalendo militiamen attacked FRN positions at Kuwihene, Rugezi and Point Zéro, in the Minembwe area. They used kamikaze drones and heavy artillery, including 120mm and 82mm mortars. Early on Monday, further attacks targeted Mitimbili and Munanira, in the Kaziba sector of Walungu territory.
The latest fighting follows clashes between the FRN and the Congolese army at Gipimo, reported on 26 October, and FRN fighting in Kaziba, reported on 23 October 2026.
