The town of Ihula, in the Walikale territory of North Kivu, is now under the control of the FARDC and wazalendo. This takeover occurred during the night of May 24, after intense fighting between government forces and AFC/M23 rebels.

According to a statement from the FARDC released on the morning of May 24 on their official Facebook page, the assault on positions held by the AFC/M23 was launched on Sunday at 3 a.m. local time. This fighting follows a military offensive initiated on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time, during which the FARDC had already retaken several villages in the Kisimba grouping.

Local sources report that these clashes have led to significant military mobilization in the region. Villagers express their relief at this development, which could allow for a gradual return to normalcy. Residents also hope that this situation will promote lasting security in this unstable part of the country.

The military operations conducted by the FARDC are part of a broader context of fighting against armed groups that disrupt peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Kisimba grouping has been the scene of numerous conflicts in recent years, and the continued presence of armed groups like the AFC/M23 further complicates the security situation.

Congo's authorities, while praising these military advances, call for increased vigilance to prevent any resurgence of violence. The local civil society has also expressed a desire for the armed forces to be accompanied by initiatives aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and restoring essential services for the population.

The security situation remains fragile and requires sustained attention from Congolese authorities and the international community.