The Coalition of rebels that are fighting against the government in the Democratic Republic of Congo has managed to recapture the town of Kavumu in the South Kivu Province.
The combined forces of the Alliance Fleuve du Congo (AFC) also known as the Congo River Alliance and the March 23 have just taken control of Kavumu after initially capturing the Airport Terminal in the precinct, within just 24 hours after relaunching its military operations in the region.
The AFC and M23 rebels said they were compelled to relaunch their military operations over the Easter weekend after it became apparent that the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Wazalendo fighters were not honouring their side of the bargain in the ongoing ceasefire agreement between the two parties.
At least seven people, including 5 clearly identified civilians have been killed during the exchange of fire in Kavumu Town. Reports add that nearly 15 other victims were injured and are currently undergoing medical treatments at local health facilities.
The city of Kavumu and the airport are currently under the control of the combined AFC and March 23 rebels who launched a surprise ambush onto the Wazalendo army which according to the locals have also been terrorizing and looting from ordinary people in the area
But so far, reports from South Kivu say a precarious calm has been restored in the area where the AFC and M23 military forces have taken control. However the atmosphere is still less calm.
After their defeat, members of the Wazalendo troops have fled towards the nearby Kahuzi Byega National Park, taking refuge there and promising to return stronger and more determined.
In another development, the DR Congo Government in Kinshasa has reportedly banned the party of former President Joseph Kabila.
DRC accuses Kabila of being an associate of the M23 rebel group, which has so far seized large parts of the east of the country.
The political prohibition comes at the time when Kabila is being reported to have returned to the DR Congo after spending two years in South Africa.
Joseph, who grew up in Tanzania, is said to have returned to the town of Goma, which was seized by the March 23 movement early this year.Kabila led DR Congo for 18 years, after succeeding his father Laurent, who was shot dead in 2001.