FRN takes control of Bulambika in South Kivu
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Actualité.cd
Rebels from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) have taken control of Bulambika, in Kalehe territory in South Kivu, after the withdrawal of the FARDC and their Wazalendo allies. The advance comes 24 hours after the capture of Bitale and threatens the road linking Bukavu to Hombo, according to several local sources cited by Actualite.cd.
Rebels from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) took control of Bulambika, in Kalehe territory, South Kivu, on Sunday 8 November 2026, after the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Wazalendo fighters supporting them, according to several local sources cited by Actualité.cd.
FRN fighters entered the town at the beginning of the afternoon. The capture comes 24 hours after the same rebels took Bitale and puts pressure on the road linking Bukavu to Hombo via National Road 3 (RN3). The advance also threatens Hombo-Sud, a rural commune located along this route.
The successive captures of Bitale and Bulambika could affect trade and travel between South Kivu and Walikale territory, in the neighbouring province of North Kivu, according to Actualité.cd. Clashes between the FARDC backed by Wazalendo fighters and the FRN are multiplying in several localities in eastern DR Congo, while rebel advances have caused new civilian displacement and disrupted socio-economic activities.
This capture of Bulambika comes one day after the FRN took control of Kalonge and Bitale. It also comes after the FARDC repelled a new FRN attempt in Mahanga, announced on 7 November.
