Hundreds of Congolese troops FARDC were reportedly seen early Thursday taking up positions at Kipese in Lubero following the withdrawal of AFC/M23 rebels on Wednesday.

“The FARDC have deployed in Kipese, territory of Lubero, following the withdrawal of AFC/M23 forces from the area in NorthKivu,” a local tabloid said on Thursday.

Another source on ground told Taarifa investigative Desk that the Lubero villages of Kalonge and Lubango have come under the control of the AFC/M23.

“These areas had previously been held by the Wazalendo fighters, who are allied with the FARDC,” the source said.

Similarly, the AFC/M23 rebels have redeployed in Musiya, Lubango, Katondi, and Kitsumbiro.

The rebels have been seen once again at the boundary between Lubero and Walikale territories. They have also redeployed at Kanune, Mbwavinywa, and Kateku, where they have bolstered their forces and, since yesterday, are building new positions there.

In the Lubero territory, the Wazalendo and FARDC are present in Lunyasenge, Taliya, and Kipese, up to Kirikiri, where the rebels attempted to dislodge the FARDC.

According to our sources, the Wazalendo and the FARDC are deployed in villages of Ndumbi, Buma, Iteya, Buhaya, Mpeti, and Minjenje, in the Kisimba groupement in the Walikale territory.