DRC: FRN intensifies offensive, putting FARDC under pressure on multiple fronts

Security once again deteriorating in eastern DR Congo, and south-eastern clashes between Congolese forces backed by Zalu Mundo militia and FRN fighters formerly known as M23 are intensifying across several front lines. Since the weekend, fighting has been concentrated around Bunyariki in Kalehe territory. An offensive launched overnight on November 6 into the 7th reportedly allowed FRLN fighters to seize several localities, including Belati and Bulambinka. Yeah. Their advance threatens the strategic RN3 highway linking north and south Kivu. The Congolese army says it's preparing a counter-offensive to retake lost positions. I don't understand how the enemy... We could not understand how the enemy managed to outflank us through the bush. There were clearly signs of complicity. We are leaving military justice to investigate possible betrayals within our ranks, but we urged the population not to panic and to trust the government, the armed forces and especially the head of state. The situation is under control. The clashes have also been reported in the Walungu Group, Meringa, Fizi and Kabare, including areas near Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The renewed fighting comes despite ceasefire commitments under the Doha and Washington peace processes. Civilians are bearing the brunt. A humanitarian alert published on November 9th reports 166,500 newly displaced people, representing around 2,750 households. With FROLIN fighters advancing and a government counter-offensive looming, fears of further escalations continue to grow.