Nkobe Hill, a key strategic location in Kisimba Groupement (Walikale Territory) in North Kivu, has been retaken by the Congolese army (FARDC) and local Wazalendo militias on Friday, June 6, following intense fighting with AFC/M23 rebels.
Sources from the region say the FARDC and Wazalendo are now in control of the hills overlooking the villages of Kalinga and Kisone, areas also under army control according to this report from Actualite.cd.
Additional reports received by this platform confirm that the AFC/M23 rebels have retreated toward Ikobo and have since Friday reinforced their positions in Rusamambu and Bukumbirwa to prepare for possible attacks by government forces.
Local authorities in the Wanianga sector of Walikale warn that the rebels are attempting to encircle the town of Pinga. They are calling on the army to strengthen its presence in the area to counter the expansion of AFC/M23.
This new round of fighting—while the death toll remains unknown—is reported to have displaced hundreds of people who are now living in extremely difficult conditions.
