The town fell to M23 forces overnight from Thursday to Friday, marking a significant gain for the rebel group in their push toward South Kivu’s capital, Bukavu.
“The M23 rebels are advancing toward Bukavu, that’s their end goal,” said a local leader who preferred anonymity to speak freely to ChimpReports.
The capture of Kabamba places M23 just kilometers away from Bukavu, a city that has already seen widespread displacement as terrified residents flee toward safer areas such as Brasserie.
Meanwhile, heavy clashes have erupted in Katana, just 8 kilometers from Kavumu Airport, a strategic airfield north of Bukavu.