M23 (FRN) capture Bunyakiri in South Kivu after days of fighting
Bunyakiri's strategic location along the RN3 highway puts South Kivu's security situation under renewed focus following reported fighting.
Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN) reportedly captured Bunyakiri, an area in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province, on Saturday, November 7, following several days of fighting with forces supporting the government in Kinshasa.
The capture reportedly took place in the early hours of Saturday after clashes that had intensified across several parts of the area. FRN forces had also seized several localities within the wider Bunyakiri area before taking control of the centre.
Among the locations reportedly captured were the trading centres of Bitare and Karambi.
Bunyakiri is a mountainous area in Kalehe Territory, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is strategically located along the RN3 highway, a major road connecting Bukavu with Kalehe and extending towards Walikale Territory in neighbouring North Kivu Province.
The area is also situated near important sections of Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Its location along the route towards Walikale makes it significant for military movements and connectivity between different parts of eastern DRC.
Bunyakiri has experienced recurring insecurity over the years, with armed group activities reported in Kalehe Territory and surrounding areas.
The RN3 corridor, particularly sections near Kahuzi-Biega National Park, has also experienced security challenges. FARDC forces, the FDLR and Wazalendo fighters have been associated with armed activities in the wider region.
Footage circulating on social media following the latest clashes appears to show large quantities of weapons and ammunition reportedly seized by FRN forces. Other videos show individuals identified by circulating claims as government-aligned soldiers who were allegedly captured during the fighting. These claims have not been independently verified.
The reported capture of Bunyakiri comes amid continued fighting between FRN forces and armed groups supporting the Kinshasa government across several parts of eastern DRC.
On November 3, during his visit to Goma for consultations with former Congolese President Joseph Kabila and FRN representatives, MONUSCO chief James Swan, Bertrand Bisimwa said fighting had resumed along the Bunyakiri front, including attacks in areas around the national park.
On November 6, further reports indicated that clashes had spread across several areas of South Kivu, including Walungu, Mwenga, Fizi and Kabare.
