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M23 has signed entry cAlimbongo in North Kivu.Footage filmed by M23 rebels shows their presence in the village of Alimbongo, after fighting against the FARDC. This strategic capture opens the way for the M23 towards Lubero center and the city of Butembo.
The town of Alimbongo (Lubero territory) has finally come under the control of the M23 rebels supported by Rwanda despite 15 days of resistance by the Congolese army. The inhabitants of Alimbongo testified that the rebels signed their entry into this town around 5 p.m. local time at the end of the fighting that pitted them against the Congolese army since 10 a.m.
Alimbongo, in the Bamate chiefdom, had until then been the army's major strategic obstacle since the announcement of the ceasefire by the United States of America in early August, the day after the fall of Kirumba, Kayna and Kanyabayonga.
Its fall comes after that of Matembe conquered Sunday by the rebels. With the fall of Alimbongo, the M23 rebels sign their entry into the chiefdom of Bamate and advance towards Lubero-centre. Direction which is currently experiencing a significant influx of war displaced persons.
Alimbongo fell while the inhabitants were hoping for a victory by the Congolese army, which held out for 15 days and even tried to push back the rebels at Mighobwe and Luofu, around Kirumba.
A notable from Alimbongo mentions logistical problems within the FARDC, which does not have enough vehicles to move around. Their Kamaz vehicles purchased during the Kabila era have aged and the army has returned to the old habits of using civilian vehicles. The same source also mentions the issue of calls for respecting ceasefires, which are confusing Congolese soldiers.
Military sources do not wish to comment on this new change in the balance of power at the front in the Lubero territory.
The Congolese army has not yet officially reacted to this information.
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