# FRN Rebels Advance in South Kivu Triggering Massive Displacement Former President Joseph Kabila's new movement seizes key towns, forcing 160,000 civilians to flee. - **Source:** [RFI – Afrique](https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7ab30a8e-4fd9-43af-8a78-bbd44ea2c53e ## Strategic Offensive Launched The Front for the Refondation of the Nation, led by former President Joseph Kabila, launched a military offensive on the night of November 6-7. Fighters advanced through the Kahuzi-Biega National Park to target the Bunyakiri zone. This movement, linked to the AFC/M23 coalition, successfully captured several strategic urban centers. ## Control of National Route 3 Rebel forces have secured control over key localities along National Route 3, which connects Bukavu to Kisangani via Walikale. Specifically, the towns of Bitale, Bulambika, and Kambali fell under their authority by November 9. This route serves as a vital artery for regional logistics, now disrupted by the ongoing armed conflict. ## Humanitarian Crisis Escalates The rapid territorial gains by the FRN have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. Thomas Bakenga, the administrator of Kalehe territory, reports that over 160,000 people have been displaced by the fighting. Many civilians have fled toward Hombo or sought refuge in the surrounding forests to escape the violence. ## Military Setbacks and Complicity The Congolese military and allied Wazalendo fighters lost a command center and supply point in Bunyakiri. National Assembly member Willy Mishiki has publicly suggested that internal complicity may have facilitated the rebels' ability to outflank government positions. Military justice is expected to investigate these potential acts of betrayal within the ranks. ## Disputed Territorial Gains While the Congolese army claims to maintain control over specific areas like Mubugu and Hombo-Sud, local assessments differ significantly. The civil society of Kalehe estimates the rebel advance covers approximately 60 kilometers. Other local sources provide a slightly lower estimate of 50 kilometers, highlighting the volatility of the current front lines. ## Government Counter-Offensive Preparations Congolese military authorities have officially announced a counter-offensive aimed at reclaiming the lost positions. Despite the setback, officials urge the population to remain calm and maintain confidence in the armed forces. The government insists that the situation is under control, even as the fighting spreads beyond the Kalehe territory borders. ## Regional Security Dynamics The FRN's emergence marks a significant shift in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo's security landscape. By utilizing the Kahuzi-Biega National Park for tactical movement, the group demonstrated an ability to bypass traditional defensive perimeters. This development forces the government to re-evaluate its defensive posture across the South Kivu province. ## Future Outlook and Stability The conflict's trajectory now depends on the efficacy of the planned military response and the integrity of government forces. With 160,000 people displaced, the immediate priority remains the stabilization of the region. Observers are monitoring whether the army can successfully contain the FRN or if the insurgency will further expand. ## Sources covering this story - [RFI – Afrique — FRN Rebels Launch Offensive in DR Congo's South Kivu Province](https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20261110-rdc-offensive-des-combattants-du-frn-au-sud-kivu-plusieurs-localit%C3%A9s-tombent-sous-leur-contr%C3%B4le) - [Africanews — FRN Offensive Puts Congolese Military Under Pressure in South Kivu](http://www.africanews.com/2026/11/10/drc-frn-intensifies-offensive-putting-fardc-under-pressure-on-multiple-fronts/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._