FARDC still in control of Pinga in Walikale

Contrary to rumours circulating on social media since the evening of Monday, October 28, 2024, the city of Pinga, in Walikale territory, North Kivu, remains under the control of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and “Wazalendo” resistance fighters.

Ground sources confirm ongoing clashes between self-defense forces and M23 militants, who are reportedly supported by Rwanda. While the enemy has seized the Minjenje bridge and the village of Mpeti, near the strategic town of Pinga, claims that Pinga itself has fallen to the M23-RDF-AFC rebels are untrue as of now.

Despite the ceasefire being observed by regular forces in Pinga, the enemy continues to advance, leaving the situation tense and precarious. Fear grips the local population, many of whom are fleeing to areas they believe to be safer, as concerns grow over the possibility of Pinga falling under rebel control.

The advance of the M23-RDF-AFC forces follows their capture of the strategic town of Kalembe, which served as the final barrier protecting Walikale’s vital mining region.

“Should the enemy capture Pinga, they could advance as far as Tshopo province,” a local resident warned, underscoring the urgency for large-scale military operations to halt the rebels and secure the region.