Tushunguti town in Walikale territory has again fallen to the AFC/M23 rebels according to emerging frontline sources.

According to local sources, this rebel advance against Wazalendo militia and government troops has triggered a significant displacement of civilians from Tushunguti and surrounding villages.

Many families are currently crossing the border between South Kivu and North Kivu seeking refuge in the neighboring Waloa Loanda area.

The displaced people are mainly concentrated in the towns of Lulambo, Biriko, and Kilambo, where they are being temporarily housed by host families.

According to these sources, the rebel offensive was launched on Saturday against the Wazalendo positions in this strategic town located on the border between the provinces of South Kivu and North Kivu.

The fighting, which continued until Sunday, led to the withdrawal of the Wazalendo forces, thus paving the way for the AFC/M23 to retake Tushunguti, nearly two months after losing control of it.

The Wazalendo elements retreated towards Biriko, in the neighboring territory of Walikale, in North Kivu.

The recapture of Tushunguti comes amid a particularly volatile security situation in this part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Located on the border between South Kivu and North Kivu, this area is of major importance and is regularly the scene of fighting between the opposing forces.