After having repulsed the attacks from M23 rebels on Monday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) Armed Forces (FARDC) have asserted that they are in control of Muntaho locality in North-Kivu Province in the eastern part of DR Congo.

The revelations were made to the press on Monday by colonel Olivier Hamuli, the FARDC military spokesman in North-Kivu Province.

Hamuli revealed that M23 were seeking for a way to reach Muntaho locality which is situated about 10 km from Goma, so that they could cut off all routes used by FARDC and launch fresh attacks on Goma town which is the capital of North-Kivu Province.

The M23 who have been threatening to attack Goma town, had occupied the town for 10 days in November last year before withdrawing following the pressure from the presidents of the member states of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (IGCLR), in which the DR Congo is a member.

Joseph Makundi, the coordinator of the protection services for the civilians in North-Kivu province, said the attack in Muntaho locality had resulted into displacement of hundreds of people.

"The Red Cross humanitarian workers as well as officers from the civilian protection department are guiding them towards the camps of the internally displaced persons in Mungunga III region," he added.

The attack comes just two days before the arrival of the UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon in DR Congo, where a UN intervention brigade, supported by the M23, has been positioning itself in North-Kivu.

This is in conformity with the UN Security Council resolution that was adopted in March, allowing neutralization of armed groups in this part of DR Congo.