The rebel group Allied Democratic Forces/M23 (AFC/M23) has reportedly recaptured the territory of Numbi in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. According to various sources, the group had lost control of the area, which is rich in minerals, nearly two years ago. The recapture of Numbi has brought relief to local residents who had been experiencing insecurity in the region.
On Tuesday, Congolese government forces, FARDC, and their allies, including Burundian troops, Wazalendo, and FDLR, entered Numbi but did not engage in combat with AFC/M23 fighters. Instead, the residents emerged to welcome the return of the rebel group, expressing joy and relief. However, this joy was short-lived as reports emerged that AFC/M23 had indeed taken back control of the territory.
According to sources close to AFC/M23, the group had maintained a presence in one part of Numbi, while Congolese government forces controlled the other. Several news outlets, including Tazama DRC infos and those sympathetic to AFC/M23, confirmed that the rebel group had regained control of Numbi on Wednesday.
A journalist close to AFC/M23 stated that the group was now in control of Numbi and was gradually restoring order in the area. The local population was reportedly thrilled with the return of relative peace. However, another journalist sympathetic to the Congolese government noted that Wazalendo forces had withdrawn from Lumbishi, Shanje, Kavumu, and Numbi, allowing AFC/M23 to take control.
The Tazama DRC infos outlet reported that Wazalendo forces had pulled out of several areas, including Lumbishi, Shanje, Kavumu, and Numbi, as well as the mineral-rich areas surrounding Numbi. Meanwhile, Kivu Morning Report also confirmed that AFC/M23 had taken back control of Numbi. Residents of Shanje reported that over 60 buildings, including homes and shops, had been torched, allegedly by government forces and their allies.
An eyewitness in the area told UMUSEKE that AFC/M23 did not leave Numbi due to defeat but because they had a limited number of fighters. The situation remains uncertain, with no indication of where the renewed conflict will spread. Congolese government forces and their allies have launched attacks in South and North Kivu but have not made significant gains against AFC/M23.
Efforts to resolve the conflict in Congo are ongoing, with African Union mediators, led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, engaging with parties involved. The mediators visited Rwanda and Burundi, meeting with AFC/M23 leaders in Goma. However, there is no indication that the conflict between FARDC, its allies, and AFC/M23 is nearing an end.
Key points
- AFC/M23 rebels retake control of Numbi territory in South Kivu, DRC
- Local residents welcome return of relative peace
- Conflict in DRC continues with no end in sight
