Local herders and residents confirmed that AFC/M23 entered Kabunambo around 6:00 p.m., following heavy fighting that had lasted for several hours.

Kabunambo, located about 25 kilometres from the city of Uvira, had been held by several armed groups including the FDLR, Burundian troops, FARDC soldiers, and Wazalendo militia fighters.

All those forces, which usually operate alongside FARDC, reportedly fled in disarray towards various areas including Uvira, Fizi and even the city of Bujumbura in Burundi, after failing to stop the AFC/M23 offensive.

This major advance by AFC/M23 comes only hours after it captured Nyakabere and Sange, both strategic zones near Uvira and on key military supply routes.

Analysts say the fall of Kabunambo increases pressure on government forces because it opens access routes to other important parts of Uvira territory.