FRN-M23 and FARDC accuse each other of escalation in South Kivu
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Mediacongo
The FRN-M23 says the FARDC and its allies launched an offensive in Kange, Walungu territory, South Kivu, on 11 November 2026. The Congolese army, for its part, accuses the FRN-M23 and the Rwandan army of stepping up attacks on several fronts, according to their respective statements.
FRN-M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said an offensive was launched on Wednesday 11 November at 5:40am against Kange and its surrounding areas, in Walungu territory, South Kivu. He attributed the operation to the FARDC, Maï-Maï Wazalendo militias, the FDLR and Burundian troops from the Ruzizi plain, using heavy artillery, combat drones, fighter aircraft and ground troops.
The FRN-M23 reported deaths and mass displacement of civilians without providing a toll. For its part, FARDC spokesperson Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa Efomi accused the Rwandan army and FRN-M23 fighters of attacking Congolese positions in North Kivu and South Kivu for several weeks.
The FARDC said it had retaken several positions in the high and middle plateaux of Fizi and Uvira and maintained its positions on the ground, according to a statement signed by Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa Efomi on 11 November. The army said it had taken measures to defend the territorial integrity of the DRC and protect the population.
The clashes come after fighting between the FRN and government forces in Kaziba reported on 23 October. They also follow new FARDC offensives in South Kivu reported on 5 November.
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In October 2026 : 259 reported deaths (+27%) · Sud-Kivu : 64 · 5.3 million internally displaced · 2026 plan funded at 53%
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