DRC: Congolese army claims victory over FNL, Burundi rebels deny
(Illustration) FARDC soldiers on patrol in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
AFP - GUERCHOM NDEBO
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
In the DRC, the Congolese army has claimed victory against one of Burundi's oldest rebellions, the National Liberation Forces, led by General Aloys Nzabampema.
The FNL deny it.
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The FNL is a branch of the former rebellion of
Agathon Rwasa
, now the main political opponent in Burundi.
This group, made up of several hundred men, had for years established its stronghold in the territory of Mwenga,
northwest of the town of Uvira
in the province of South Kivu.
General Aloys Nzabampema and his men had settled in the Highlands located near the Itombwe nature reserve, about a hundred kilometers northwest of Uvira.
Exploitation of several gold mines, marriages with the Bafuleros who live in the area… The Burundian rebels of the FNL gradually recruited and equipped themselves.
They had made this area an almost impregnable stronghold.
The Burundian army has also realized this at its expense.
Two offensives
in September
and October ended in bitter failure.
The National Defense Forces of Burundi (FDNB) had even lost a senior officer there.
Denial of the FNL
This time, the Burundian soldiers, now under the banner of the EAC, and the FARDC had prepared accordingly, even if the logistical means and the steep terrain prevent them from carrying heavy weapons.
At least two battalions were engaged in the operation, according to our sources.
The fighting lasted two days, Saturday and Sunday, after which the FARDC spokesman in South Kivu province claimed complete victory.
"
The FNL were dislodged from their stronghold
" and 40 "
attackers were neutralized
", according to Lieutenant Marc Elongo-Kyondwa.
FNL side, we deny and we speak of about fifty enemies killed.
Local sources say that the Burundian rebels have retreated to the Itombwe reserve, which is very rich in gold mines.
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