The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), the movement led by former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila, said it has no plans to advance towards Uvira, a strategic town in South Kivu province. ALSO READ: What to know about new Kabila-led movement in DR Congo In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 4, FRN spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the information that armed movement wanted to recapture the city was being spread by the Congolese government to divert attention from its military operations and what he described as massacres of civilians in areas under the movement's control. “The FRN wishes to inform the Congolese people and the international community that it has neither the intention nor any interest in advancing towards Uvira,” Kanyuka said. “These allegations are part of a clear strategy of political diversion and manipulation of public opinion, intended to draw attention away from the atrocities committed against civilians and to mask the regime’s continued military offensives within the liberated territories.” ALSO READ: AFC/M23 exits Uvira, urges mediators to ensure town is protected from reprisals Uvira, a major commercial hub in South Kivu on the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika, and nearby Bujumbura, Burundi's capital, are reportedly the main bases for mercenaries involved in the war in eastern DR Congo. The mercenaries have played a major role in aerial attacks that has devastated Minembwe and other areas targeted by the Congolese government coalition, which also includes Burundian forces, the Kinshasa-backed FDLR genocidal militia, Mai-Mai militias and other armed groups. ALSO READ: Looting, displacement reported in Uvira hours after AFC/M23 withdraw Kanyuka accused the Congolese government coalition of intensifying military operations against FRN positions and civilian populations over the past two months. He said the operations involved the deployment of combat drones, fighter jets, heavy artillery, long-range missiles and ground troops, targeting both the movement's positions and densely populated areas. ALSO READ: Goma: What was discussed between MONUSCO boss and Kabila-led FRN Kanyuka listed several locations where he said the offensives were taking place, including Minembwe, Point Zéro, Mukoko, Rugezi, Kipimo, Kuwamabuye, Kuwihene, Kabanja and Minembwe-Centre along the Hauts Plateaux axis. He also cited Mitimbili and Munanira in Kaziba, Katogota and Lubarika in the Ruzizi Plain, and Kasika in Mwenga, as well as areas in Shabunda and Bunyakiri. ALSO READ: AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa states four reasons why his movement is fighting Tshisekedi govt Other locations mentioned included Kalongi, Kitendebwa and Kukiduveri along the Kadasomwa axis, and Cyabombo, Remeka and Kasovo along the Lumbishi axis. In Masisi and Walikale territories, he named Katoyi, Bihiri, Kazinga, Bulewusa, Lusamambo, Kateku, Kanune, Kalonge, Kinyumba, Peti and Mizenze, also known as Pinga. In Lubero, he cited Kandole, Mbyanzi, Kitchanga and Pitakongo. ALSO READ: Kabila faults Tshisekedi for 'choosing war' over peace in DR Congo Despite reports of continued military advances by Kinshasa and its allies, the spokesperson said the FRN remained committed to the Doha peace process and efforts to find a lasting political solution to the conflict. The Doha process, mediated by Qatar, brings together the Congolese government and AFC/M23, which was replaced by the FRN for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in eastern DR Congo and addressing its underlying causes. The parties have committed to a ceasefire as part of the negotiations. ALSO READ: DR Congo crisis: Bisimwa criticises mediators for ‘babysitting’ Kinshasa Kanyuka warned that the movement would not remain passive in the face of the repeated attacks. “However, it will not stand idly by in the face of such barbarity; it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to defend the liberated zones and protect civilian populations against any threat, regardless of its origin,” he said.
