A new offensive by a political-military movement led by former Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) president Joseph Kabila has resulted in the capture of several urban centers in the country's east and forced more than 160,000 people to flee their homes.
Launched late last week, the offensive has been concentrated mainly along National Road 3, a strategic route connecting Bukavu to Kisangani through Walikale. The movement has reportedly seized several localities, including Bitale and Bulambika, amid intensifying fighting.
The escalation has triggered a new wave of displacement, with more than 160,000 people fleeing the clashes, adding to the already severe humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC.
The developments underscore the growing instability in the country's eastern provinces, where armed groups and competing political-military forces continue to challenge government authority and control over strategic territory.
The advance along National Road 3 is particularly significant given the route's importance for connecting communities and facilitating movement across eastern DRC.
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