FRN rebels capture locations near Uvira
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Taarifa
FRN rebels claim to have captured several locations around Uvira, in eastern DR Congo, and to be advancing towards the city. They are also seeking to cut the road linking Uvira to Kalemie, while their forces clash with Congolese soldiers and allies, Taarifa reports.
Rebels from the National Resistance Front (FRN), an armed movement led by Joseph Kabila in eastern DR Congo, claim to have captured Gitabo, Nyabigega and Mangwa, near Uvira. They are advancing towards Runingu, less than seven kilometres from the city, Taarifa reports.
Clashes have also been reported in the villages of Rubuga and Birunga, in the Kigoma sector, as well as in Bafuliiru Chiefdom. After capturing Kuwamabuye, FRN fighters say they took Nyarurango and Rugomero. They are also said to be in Rugezi and seeking to cut the road between Uvira and Kalemie.
Witnesses cited by Taarifa say the coalition of the Congolese armed forces, the Wazalendo, the FDLR and Burundian forces is using drones and long-range artillery. The FRN has announced that it next intends to capture Kabanju, which it describes as an opposing stronghold. Civilians are fleeing the fighting in the region.
The advances are part of the FRN’s progress towards Uvira, which was already reported on 27 October. On the same day, weapons were reportedly captured after allied forces fled in South Kivu, according to the report on weapons seized after their withdrawal.
