FRN reports new FARDC offensives in South Kivu
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Kivu Morning Post
The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation says the FARDC launched new offensives against its positions in Walungu, South Kivu, using drones, fighter jets and heavy artillery. Fighting was also reported in Kibati, North Kivu, according to the FRN and local civil society.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) launched new offensives on Thursday 5 November against several positions of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) in Walungu territory, South Kivu. The first attacks were reported in the localities of Nyamarhege, Lulaba and Chulwe, in the Nzibira sector, as well as in Kasika, according to an FRN statement.
The FRN says the operations involve drone strikes, fighter jets and heavy artillery fire. Civil society in Walungu also reports an intensification of fighting in the Kaniola groupement, particularly in Lulaba, between Nzibira and Nyamarhege, as well as in Kasika.
Lawrence Kanyuka, the FRN spokesperson, accuses Kinshasa of continuing military operations despite calls for de-escalation and says the movement's forces are deployed to protect civilians. Fighting is also taking place between the FARDC and the FRN in Kibati, in Walikale territory, North Kivu, where loud explosions from heavy weapons were heard, the FRN reports.
The clashes follow earlier fighting between the FARDC and the FRN at Gipimo on 26 October, in Masisi on 3 November, and in Kibati on 5 November.
