FRN takes Bunyakiri and Bulambika in South Kivu
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Kivu Morning Post
The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) has taken control of Bunyakiri and Bulambika, in Kalehe territory in South Kivu, after fighting against the FARDC and Wazalendo. Residents fled towards Hombo, while government forces withdrew, according to local sources cited by Kivu Morning Post.
Fighters from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) have taken control of Bunyakiri and Bulambika, in Kalehe territory, South Kivu, after fighting against the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and Wazalendo militias. The capture of the two localities took place on Sunday 8 November, according to local sources and civil society groups cited by Kivu Morning Post.
The fighting caused people to flee towards Hombo, while the FARDC and Wazalendo withdrew to the town, which is located on the RN3, according to residents. Sources cited by Kivu Morning Post said that FRN fighters then advanced towards Kichanga and Kando, as far as the Kando Catholic parish.
Bunyakiri is about 80 kilometres from Bukavu and is a road route linking the provincial capital to Kisangani via Walikale-centre. The town also served as a supply point and forward command centre for FARDC and Wazalendo operations against the FRN in several territories of South Kivu, according to Kivu Morning Post. The capture of Bulambika was reported on 8 November, before hundreds of displaced people arrived in Hombo on 9 November.
