The locality of Alimbongo (Lubero territory) finally came under the control of the M23 rebels supported by Rwanda despite 15 days of resistance from the Congolese army. The inhabitants of Alimbongo testify to Actualite.cd that the rebels signed their entry into this locality around 5 p.m. local time at the end of the fighting which pitted them against the Congolese army since 10 a.m.
Alimbongo, in the Bamate chiefdom, had until then been the army’s major strategic lock since the announcement of the ceasefire by the United States of America at the beginning of 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 signed their entry into the Bamate chiefdom and progressed towards Lubero-center. Direction which is currently experiencing a significant influx of war displaced people.
Alimbongo fell while residents were hoping for a victory for the Congolese army which held out for 15 days and even tried to push back the rebels in Mighobwe and Luofu, around Kirumba.
A notable from Alimbongo mentions logistical problems within the FARDC who do not have enough equipment 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 raises the question of calls for respect for the ceasefire which are plunging Congolese soldiers into confusion.
Military sources do not wish to comment for the moment on this new change in the balance of forces at the front in the territory of Lubero. .
Claude Sengenya
World
