DR Congo army recaptures many towns from rebels, people still worried

The army of the Democratic Republic of Congo said on January 13 that government forces had retaken control of several towns from armed groups in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, while fighting intensified in other war zones.

The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people forced to flee their homes. (Source: ABC News)

The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been wracked by conflict for decades with more than 100 armed groups, most of them fighting over territory in a vast, mineral-rich area near the border with Rwanda.

The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced, including 100,000 who have fled their homes since the beginning of 2025.

According to the DR Congo army, several towns have been held by rebels for months, including Ngungu - a key town in the Masisi Territory near the capital of North Kivu province.

The rebels were repelled by the Central African nation's FARDC security forces, said Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, a military spokesman in North Kivu, adding that the victory was thanks to a joint military operation by commanders of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

Towns that were recaptured included Lumbishi, Ruzirantaka, Kamatale, Bitagata and Kabingo.

But news of the DR Congo army retaking control of towns has brought mixed feelings to those who fled these areas: anxiety about their safety, yet joy at being able to return home.

"We are still suffering because of the lack of security. People continue to die, we just buried one 30 minutes ago," said resident Nsabimana Alexis.

Frequent clashes between the DR Congo army and rebels have left dozens of villages inaccessible and beyond the reach of aid. The most powerful rebel group in the area is the M23, which the DR Congo government and UN experts say is backed by Rwanda.

However, Rwanda has denied the allegation.

According to the French charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in Masisi territory, refugee camps and relief facilities are overflowing as people continue to seek refuge from the violence.

MSF coordinator Romain Briey said they were "doing everything we can to respond to this situation. However, the severe lack of humanitarian organisations in the area is making things difficult".

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/quan-doi-chdc-congo-tai-chiem-nhieu-thi-tran-tu-tay-phien-quan-nguoi-dan-chua-het-lo-lang-300739.html