KINSHASA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The army of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Tuesday called on citizens to remain calm in the face of recent advances by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in the eastern province of North Kivu.

General Sylvain Ekenge, the army spokesperson, said in a statement that the battles against the M23 continue on all fronts, including the Lubero territory, the heights of Sake and the Nyiragongo territory, all located in North Kivu.

"All measures are being taken to block the aggressor and restore peace in the eastern part of our country," said the statement.

The situation in the eastern DRC has deteriorated significantly, marked by escalating conflicts involving various armed groups, notably the M23 and the Allied Democratic Forces.

The ongoing conflict has worsened the humanitarian situation in the region, displacing over 7 million people. About 237,000 individuals have been forced to abandon their homes since the beginning of 2025, according to the United Nations. ■