State-run television said the capture had deprived what it called the Rwandan and Ugandan invaders of a strategic advantage.

A Congolese official Dominique Sakombi said government forces had also retaken the southern town of Kabalo.

There's been no confirmation from the rebels, who said on Friday that they were poised to take the nearby city of Mbuji-Mayi in the southern diamond region. The government said it was firmly in control of Mbuji-Mayi.