Kabila’s FRN rebels close in on Uvira in eastern DR Congo
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Taarifa
Fighters from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel movement commanded by former president Joseph Kabila, are said to be less than 10 kilometres from Uvira, in South Kivu, after taking Kawizi. Clashes were also reported near Luola, on the road to Minjenje, Taarifa reports, suggesting a possible shift in the balance of power if Uvira falls.
Fighters from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel movement led by former Congolese president Joseph Kabila, have taken the locality of Kahwizi, less than 10 kilometres from Uvira, in South Kivu, according to Taarifa, citing sources close to the operations. Uvira is the provincial capital and a strategic city in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Gunfire was also reported on Tuesday morning on Tchad hill, near Luola, on the road to Minjenje, the outlet reports. A witness quoted in a TV5 Monde video says they can hear exchanges of gunfire and says they will no longer flee to Burundi.
Political analysts quoted by Taarifa believe that the capture of Uvira and Kalemie would change the balance of power between the FRN and government forces. They consider that such a development could force President Félix Tshisekedi to hold direct talks with Joseph Kabila.
The reported advance comes after President Félix Tshisekedi said on 25 October that the situation was under control. It is part of a movement that Nande notables backed on 18 October.
