Congo War Security Review

Data Cutoff: September 25, 2026, at 12:30 P.M. EST

To receive the Africa File and Congo War Security Review via email, please subscribe here.

Follow CTP on X, LinkedIn, and BlueSky for daily updates.

Read CTP’s latest analysis on the war in the eastern DRC in the weekly Africa File here. 

Key Takeaway: M23 military and intelligence officials reportedly quelled an internal leadership mutiny involving figures from the group’s political wing. The Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) said that it conducted a ceasefire verification mechanism in North Kivu in early September. Pro-Congolese government forces and M23-allied Twirwaneho fighters continued to engage around Minembwe town in the South Kivu highlands. Fighting continued in southern Masisi district in North Kivu as the offensive by pro-government forces stalled along a line of advance toward Ngungu town.

Kinetic Activity in Rutshuru & Eastern Masisi Districts

Nothing significant to report.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Pro-Congolese government forces and M23-allied Twirwaneho fighters continued to engage around Minembwe town in the South Kivu highlands. CTP last reported in mid-September that Twirwaneho and pro-Congolese government forces clashed in several operationally significant areas around Minembwe.[1] The Congolese government and its allies had launched a new offensive against Twirwaneho around August 17.[2] A Congolese government-aligned source claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces attacked Twirwaneho in Biziba and Irumba villages, which are about two miles south of Minembwe center, on September 18.[3] Pro-Congolese government forces reportedly clashed with and bombed Twirwaneho and M23-allied fighter positions in the Basimunyaka South group southwest of Minembwe on September 19.[4] One Twirwaneho source claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces attacked Twirwaneho positions in Gipimo on September 19.[5] Gipimo may control access to Biziba to the north closer to Minembwe. Fighting in Basimunyaka South, including around Rugezi—about 20 miles south of Minembwe—has escalated since mid-September, when pro-Congolese government forces increased attacks on Twirwaneho.[6] Pro-Congolese government forces reportedly conducted attacks on Point Zéro using heavy artillery and one-way attack (OWA) drones on September 19.[7] Point Zéro is an operationally significant hilltop about 15 miles east of Minembwe on a local road. Congolese government-aligned media sources claimed that pro-Congolese government forces captured Natulonge, Nagishasho, and Timbyangoma villages in Basimunyaka South on September 19.[8] Twirwaneho claimed in a statement on social media on September 19 that pro-Congolese government forces had escalated attacks on its positions using heavy artillery and OWA drones for the past two days, including on Biziba, from forward positions to the south.[9] Twirwaneho fighters reportedly retaliated against recent pro-Congolese government force attacks and pushed coalition fighters back from Gipimo and other nearby villages on September 19.[10] Twirwaneho’s spokesperson, Fidèle Rugabo, claimed on social media on September 20 that pro-Congolese government forces continued conducting attacks on Twirwaneho positions with drones and artillery fire in the highlands.[11] Fighting reportedly continued on several axes around Minembwe in Mukoko, Nyaruhinga, Nyabibuye, Gipimo, Nzohaha, Rugezi, Nyagishasha, Timbyangoma and Biziba areas on September 21.[12] Several M23-aligned sources claimed on social media on September 21 and 22 that pro-Congolese government forces were reinforcing their positions in the highlands with more troops and military equipment ahead of planned ground operations.[13] One Congolese government-aligned source claimed on social media on September 22 that pro-Congolese government forces had blocked all roads around Minembwe.[14] Pro-Congolese government forces reportedly conducted attacks on M23-allied fighters in four villages, including Magunda, near the Masango area in the Basimukinji first group in the midlands northeast of Minembwe on September 24.[15] Congolese government-aligned sources claimed that Twirwaneho conducted a drone attack on pro-Congolese government positions at Mulima near Point Zéro around September 24.[16] A Twirwaneho source claimed on social media on September 24 that a rebel-operated OWA drone attacked pro-Congolese government coalition positions in Kabanja and Gipimo on September 24.[17]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

Fighting continued in southern Masisi district in North Kivu as the offensive by pro-government forces stalled along a line of advance toward Ngungu town. CTP last reported in mid-September that pro-Congolese government forces reportedly made notable gains against M23 in an offensive on a key line of advance toward Ngungu town in southern Masisi.[18] Clashes between M23 and pro-Congolese government forces reportedly continued on at least two axes toward Katoyi and Ngululu towns between September 20 and 22.[19] Wazalendo fighters reportedly tried to retake control of Mitimingi, which is southwest of Katoyi and northwest of Remeka town, but M23 launched counterattacks and retained control of the area.[20] The Congolese army (FARDC) accused M23 and Rwanda of violating ceasefire commitments in attacks in Masisi and Walikale districts in North Kivu on September 22.[21] The Congolese government-aligned media outlet Tazama RDC reported on social media on September 22 that M23 still controlled several villages on the outskirts of Ngungu and that pro-Congolese government forces had not exerted significant pressure on M23’s control of Ngungu or Minova town, despite repeated reports and claims from DRC-aligned media sources and actors in recent days.[22] M23 reportedly reinforced its positions with troops and military equipment from Ngungu toward the front line and launched attacks to recapture at least one village—Muhororo—on the outskirt of Remeka, which is about 10 miles from Ngungu, from pro-Congolese government forces around September 24.[23] The FARDC and a coalition of pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters had captured Remeka and several other villages in southern Masisi in mid-September.[24] Congolese government-aligned media sources claimed on social media that fighting also took place further west in Mukohwa, Mirindano, and Ndete villages in the Nyamaboko first group closer to the border with Walikale on September 24.[25]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

M23 military and intelligence officials reportedly quelled an internal leadership mutiny involving figures from the group’s political wing. The French investigative outlet Africa Intelligence reported on September 23 that M23 thwarted an internal “conspiracy,” as described by M23 military and intelligence officials cited by the outlet, allegedly led by Théo Binamungu and involving several political figures and military personnel who planned to oust M23 military chief Sultani Makenga and redistribute political and military posts among the plotters.[26] Théo Binamungu is an adviser to Corneille Nangaa, the head of M23’s political wing, and the North Kivu provincial coordinator for Moïse Katumbi’s political party. Africa Intelligence reported that the plot had been in the works since early 2026 but that the plotters recently had been finalizing the details and presented the plan to “members of Rwanda’s security apparatus.”[27] The report said that Makenga and his associates arrested Binamungu in late August and that M23 intelligence services began conducting a discreet investigation led by M23’s military intelligence chief, John Nzenze, into the plot.[28]

The Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) said that it conducted a ceasefire verification mechanism in North Kivu in early September. The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region said in a press release on September 20 that the EVJM+ completed a ceasefire verification field mission to Masisi district between September 10 to 12.[29] The EJVM+ is a ceasefire monitoring mechanism established in October 2025 and supported by the UN that consists of an equal number of representatives from the Congolese government and M23, along with members from the African Union, Qatar, and the United States. The EVJM+ had conducted its first mission to Minembwe in South Kivu on August 24 to 25.[30] James Swan, the head of the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), visited Goma and met with M23 officials and EVJM+ personnel from September 21 to 22.[31] Officers from the FARDC and M23 held a working session under the EVJM+ in Goma on September 24.[32]

Significant US-Backed Economic Activity

Nothing significant to report.

Data Cutoff: September 18, 2026, at 1 P.M. EST

To receive the Africa File and Congo War Security Review via email, please subscribe here.

Follow CTP on X, LinkedIn, and BlueSky for daily updates.

Read CTP’s latest analysis on the war in the eastern DRC in the weekly Africa File here. 

Key Takeaway: Pro-Congolese government forces reportedly made notable gains against M23 in an offensive on a key line of advance in southern Masisi district in North Kivu. Significant fighting continued on the RP529 in Walikale district west of Nyabiondo town in Masisi district as several key positions changed hands between pro-Congolese government forces and M23. Pro-Congolese government forces pushed M23 back toward Malemo village in Masisi district on the RP1030 axis in North Kivu. Significant fighting continued between M23-allied Twirwaneho fighters and pro-Congolese government forces around Minembwe town in the South Kivu highlands.

Kinetic Activity in Rutshuru & Eastern Masisi Districts

Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters reportedly clashed in the Bwisha chiefdom in eastern Rutshuru district in North Kivu. Gunfire reportedly broke out between Wazalendo fighters and M23 in Nyamilima in the Binza group in Bwisha on September 15.[1] Nyamilima is near the border with Uganda, about 25 miles northeast of Rutshuru town.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Significant fighting continued between M23-allied Twirwaneho fighters and pro-Congolese government forces around Minembwe town in the South Kivu highlands. CTP lasted reported in mid-September on the ongoing offensive by Congolese army (FARDC), the Burundian army (FDNB), pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters, and Congolese government-employed private military contractors against Twirwaneho and the M23 coalition on a line of advance toward Minembwe.[2] The M23-aligned investigative outlet Great Lakes Eye cited an unnamed FDNB colonel who claimed in an unverified report that pro-Congolese government forces killed twelve FDNB troops after they tried to desert positions near the front lines in the midlands around the Bijiombo group northeast of Minembwe town on September 10.[3] Another M23-aligned media source claimed on social media on September 11 that Burundi recently deployed a helicopter to support ongoing operations around Minembwe.[4] Congolese government-aligned media sources claimed on social media that clashes continued near Nakiele and Kanguli, which are about 17 and 13 miles east of Point Zéro, an operationally significant hilltop near Minembwe, respectively, on September 11.[5] Congolese government-aligned media sources claimed on social media that clashes took place near Mukoko and Mulima near the front line on September 13 and that pro-Congolese government forces had killed four “Rwandan” special force soldiers.[6] Congolese government-aligned media sources claimed that clashes also resumed in Mukoko, Rugezi, and Point Zéro on September 13.[7] M23’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces conducted attacks on Mukoko, Rugezi, and Point Zéro using artillery and one-way attack (OWA) drones on September 13.[8] Rugezi is about 20 miles south of Minembwe on a rural road. Kanyuka claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces conducted attacks on Point Zéro on September 15.[9] Twirwaneho’s spokesperson, Fidèle Rugabo, claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces conducted drone attacks on Gipimo, which may be south of Minembwe in the Basimunyaka South group in the Lulenge sector, on September 16.[10] Clashes then reportedly continued in Rugezi and in Nagishasho, Timbyangoma, and Natulonge in Basimunyaka South on September 17.[11] Rugabo claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces were reinforcing their positions on several axes around Minembwe and militants coming from Mukoko had conducted attacks in the Minembwe area on September 17.[12] M23-aligned journalist Steve Wembi and Rugabo claimed that FARDC, FDNB, fighters from the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), P5, and Wazalendo militants attacked Mukoko and Nyaruhinga on September 18.[13] Rugabo also claimed that pro-Congolese government forces attacked the Gipomo area on September 18.[14] Congolese government-aligned sources claimed on social media on September 18 that pro-Congolese government forces conducted attacks on several axes around Nyaruhinga, Gipomo, Karongozi, Irumba, Biziba, Mukoko, Rugezi, Point Zéro, Kabanju, Kinyukwe, Gahwera, Kipupu, Bijombo, and Rurambo.[15] Kanyuka claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces conducted attacks on Nyaruhinga, Mukoko, Nyamabuguma, Point Zéro, and Gipimo using heavy artillery and OWA drones on September 18.[16]

Wazalendo fighters reportedly captured several positions from M23 in northern Kalehe district in South Kivu near the border with North Kivu. Congolese government-aligned sources claimed that Wazalendo fighters regained control of Mutara, Kivoka, Tushunguti, and Kashovu on September 16.[17] Tushunguti is the main town in the Ziralo group, which is in the northwest pocket of Kalehe’s border with North Kivu, whereas Kashovu is in the Ufamandu group in southern Masisi. Kanyuka claimed in a statement on social media that pro-Congolese government forces attacked M23 positions in Kivoka, Kaasomwa, and Gashihe in Kalehe on September 16.[18] Katasomwa is located on the northern tip of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Kalehe.

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

Pro-Congolese government forces reportedly made notable gains against M23 in an offensive on a key line of advance in southern Masisi district in North Kivu. CTP last reported in mid-September that M23 continued to consolidate its territorial control in southern Masisi district in North Kivu as part of a counteroffensive and reportedly pushed westward into previously uncontested areas of southwestern Masisi near the border with Walikale district for the first time.[19] Pro-Congolese government forces had reportedly pushed M23 back from the Masisi-Walikale border toward Kazinga village and recaptured several villages later in the week, however.[20] Pro-Congolese government forces then reportedly captured Kazinga on September 12.[21] Kazinga is about 13 miles west of Masisi town. Fighting reported took place between M23 and Wazalendo fighters in Kibundi and Ngululu, the latter of which is about four miles southwest of Kazinga, on September 12.[22] Congolese government-aligned sources claimed on social media that the FARDC and Wazalendo reportedly gained control over an operationally significant hilltop from M23 further south near Kibabi, which is about four miles west of the mining town of Rubaya, on September 15.[23] Kanyuka claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces conducted attacks on Ntekomiko and Kareta villages in Masisi on September 15.[24] CTP is unable to locate Ntekomiko and Kareta, although Kareta is likely in the Ufamandu first group in the Katoyi sector and Ntekomiko is likely closer to the border with South Kivu. Congolese government-aligned sources then claimed that pro-Congolese government forces took control of an operationally significant hilltop above Miko village in the Ufamandu first group in southern Masisi on September 15.[25] Miko is reportedly near Katuunda, which is about 27 miles southwest of Rubaya. Pro-Congolese government forces, including possible FDLR and Nyatura militants speaking Kinyarwanda, then reportedly captured Remeka town on September 15 after clashing with M23.[26] Remeka is about 13 miles southwest of Rubaya and 10 miles from Ngungu town. FARDC and a reported coalition of Wazalendo fighters then reportedly advanced to capture M23 positions at Katuunda, Kaleta, Miano, Muhororo in Ufamandu on September 16 after taking Miko and before advancing to then capture Kasake, pushing M23 back toward Ngungu town.[27] Kasake is about five miles southwest of Ngungu. Miano is about three miles east of Remeka on a local road. Reports from Congolese government-aligned media sources on social media indicated that newly trained FARDC special force units known as Black Mambas participated in the capture of Kasake.[28] M23 had recaptured Remeka and Miano in a counteroffensive around August 20.[29] Fighting also reportedly took place on September 16 at Mitimingi, the Katoyi sector capital, and Bibatama.[30] M23 had recaptured Mitimingi in a counteroffensive on August 29 that brought most of Katoyi under rebel control.[31] Kanyuka claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces conducted attacks on M23 positions in Kadahandwa, Nkokwe, Muko, Remeka, and Kumadepo villages in Masisi on September 16.[32] Clashes reportedly took place near Burora hill, reportedly near Ngungu, in Kasake, and a village near Kasake on September 17.[33] Clashes reportedly also took place on Singati hill at the boundary between the Ufamandu group in masisi and the Waloa Loanda group in Walikale district around September 17, after the fall of Miko and Remeka, which are important to access to several routes leading to Waloa Loanda.[34] Clashes reportedly broke out further to the northwest at Mukohwa village in the Nyamaboko first group, roughly about a mile from Humura, on September 17 and 18.[35] Congolese government-aligned sources claimed on social media on September 18 that pro-Congolese government forces were advancing toward Ngungu in Ufamandu to the south and that some M23 elements were withdrawing from the area.[36] Kanyuka claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces conducted attacks on Kashovu and Katoyi on September 18.[37]

Significant fighting continued on the RP529 in Walikale district west of Nyabiondo town in Masisi district as several key positions changed hands between pro-Congolese government forces and M23. CTP last reported in mid-September that fighting broke out west of Nyabiondo near the RP529 road along western Masisi’s border with Walikale.[38] Wazalendo fighters had reportedly asserted control over Kibati in Walikale from M23 as early as September 11 after several days of significant fighting.[39] M23 had fully controlled Kibati, which is about 21 miles west of Nyabiondo on the RP529, since October 2025. Wazalendo fighters had then reportedly recaptured Mahanga from M23 after several days of significant fighting on September 11.[40] Mahanga is southwest of Kibati, a few miles from the RP529, in the Osso Banyungu sector in Masisi. Pro-Congolese government forces reportedly advanced from Mahanga and clashed with M23 in Bitoy village in the in the Butsike locality, which is about four miles south of Mahanga on a local road, on September 12.[41] Kanyuka claimed in a statement on social media that pro-Congolese government forces conducted ground and air attacks using heavy artillery and OWA drones on positions that it maintained in Kibati on September 13.[42] The Congolese media outlet Actualite.cd reported that clashes took place in Kibati, Muhanga, and Buhimba, the latter about four miles west of Mahanga on a local road, on September 13.[43] Pro-Congolese government forces had reportedly advanced from Kibati to as far as Milonge, which is reportedy about three miles from Kibati toward Kashebere on the RP529, after it had captured Kibati.[44] Fighting also reportedly took place in Kafunsi, a village near Kashebere on the RP529—about six miles east of Kibati—on September 13.[45] Congolese government-aligned sources claimed on social media that Wazalendo fighters advanced, possibly from positions in Mahanga, and attacked M23 in Kasopo village, which is about four miles north of Mahanga on a local road and seven miles west of Nyabiondo, on September 13 and 14.[46] Actualite.cd reported on September 14 that M23 retained control of Kasopo despite the attacks on its positions.[47] Actualite.cd reported on September 14 that pro-Congolese government forces still controlled Kibati but that M23 was still present in Mahanga.[48] Actualite.cd reported on September 18 that M23 retook then control of Kibati after FARDC and Wazalendo fighters withdrew.[49]

Pro-Congolese government forces pushed M23 back toward Malemo village in Masisi on the RP1030 axis. CTP last reported in mid-September that M23 had made gains toward Pinga town on the RP1030.[50] This included M23’s capture of Minjenje from FARDC and Wazalendo fighters on September 10.[51] The FARDC and Wazalendo fighters reportedly pushed M23 back and regained control of Minjenje after clashes with the group on September 12 and 13, however.[52] M23 had reportedly advanced and took control of two remote villages, Chanjikiro and Buhimba, in the Kisimba group in Walikale district north of the RP1030, but Wazalendo fighters reportedly dislodged the rebels and retook control of the two villages on the same day on September 12.[53] Kanyuka claimed in a statement on social media that pro-Congolese government conducted attacks using heavy artillery and one-way attack drones on Minjenje on September 13.[54] M23 may have recaptured or asserted increased control over the area on September 15, before the FARDC and Wazalendo fighters reportedly regained control of Minejnje again after clashes with M23 that day and pushed the rebels back to Malemo.[55] Great Lakes Eye claimed in a report on September 15 that the FARDC supplied fighters from the FDLR with ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades at the FARDC-FDLR’s stronghold in Pinga town on September 5 for use on the front line on the RP1030.[56] The report also claimed that a DHC-5 Buffalo-type aircraft taking off from Kisangani in Tshopo province in the central DRC then transported 12 tons of ammunitions to FDLR militants to Walikale town on September 6.[57] The report claimed that the ammunition was transported toward Bunyakiri town in Kalehe district in South Kivu.[58] Actualite.cd reported on September 18 that M23 was maintaining its position in Malemo and that the group advanced toward Hembe but was repelled by FARDC-Wazalendo counterattacks.[59] The report said that clashes were continuing around Minjenje, Chanjikiro, Buhimba and Luola, and on the hills of Kasumba, Kazumba and Chad in the Kisimba group.[60]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

Nothing significant to report.

Significant US-Backed Economic Activity

Rwanda signed a new tungsten minerals deal with an American-Canadian mining company. Rwanda and US-Canadian company Almonty Industries announced on September 14 that they had agreed to develop tungsten in an agreement under which the Rwandan government will receive a 25 percent interest in a new subsidiary in exchange for offtake from the Shyorongi tungsten concession, access to a greenfield exploration block in northern Rwanda, and a mineral processing license for a mobile tailings processing unit.[61] The deal also allows the new subsidiary to acquire ore, pre-concentrate, and panning tailings from holders of Rwandan mining licenses, including small-scale license holders, for subsequent sale or upgrading.[62] The readout said that the subsidiary will export the tungsten until a collection and processing plant is built in Rwanda.[63] The readout said that the US State Department helped facilitate the deal and that it was in line with the US-Rwanda Framework for Shared Economic Prosperity, which the United States and Rwanda had signed in December 2025, and the Regional Economic Integration Framework under the Washington Peace Accords.[64]

Data Cutoff: September 11, 2026, at 2 P.M. EST

To receive the Africa File and Congo War Security Review via email, please subscribe here.

Follow CTP on X, LinkedIn, and BlueSky for daily updates.

Read CTP’s latest analysis on the war in the eastern DRC in the weekly Africa File here. 

Key Takeaway: M23 continued to consolidate its territorial control in southern Masisi district in North Kivu and reportedly pushed westward into previously uncontested areas of southwestern Masisi near the border with Walikale district for the first time. M23 made gains toward Pinga town on the RP1030 on northern Masisi’s border with Walikale. Significant fighting between pro-Congolese government forces and M23-allied Twirwaneho fighters took place on a line of advance toward Minembwe town in the South Kivu highlands. Private military contractors employed by the Congolese government allegedly arrested two Burundian army officers in South Kivu and transferred them to Kinshasa, the Congolese capital.

Kinetic Activity in Rutshuru & Eastern Masisi Districts

Nothing significant to report.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Significant fighting between pro-Congolese government forces and M23-allied Twirwaneho fighters took place on a line of advance toward Minembwe town in the South Kivu highlands. CTP reported previously that pro-Congolese government forces reportedly reinforced their ranks and continued their offensive launched in mid-August on Twirwaneho fighters in the highlands to capture Point Zéro, an operationally significant hilltop about 15 miles east of Minembwe town.[1] A Twirwaneho source and possible militant claimed on social media on September 3 that fighters from Israeli-trained FARDC special force units known as the Owls retreated on the Point Zéro axis after suffering setbacks from Twirwaneho forces.[2] M23-aligned media outlets and sources on social media claimed that Twirwaneho fighters took control of Nakihele village after dislodging the Congolese army (FARDC), Wazalendo fighters, and Burundian army (FDNB) troops on September 3.[3] Nakihele is about four miles northeast of Kanguli and 17 miles east of Point Zéro on local roads. Twirwaneho and M23-aligned sources claimed on social media on September 4 that three new Owl battalions trained by Israeli operatives in Lubumbashi in the Katanga region in the southern DRC had deployed to the front lines to Kwamulima (Mulima), which is on a line of advance toward Point Zéro and a key forward position for the DRC coalition.[4] Local sources in Mulima told the M23-aligned media outlet Kivu Morning Post on September 4 that several battalions consisting of FARDC and FDNB troops had arrived.[5] Twirwaneho’s spokesperson, Fidèle Rugabo, claimed on social media on September 4 that pro-Congolese government forces launched drone and artillery attacks from Mulima on Nyaruhinga and Mukoko villages around Minembwe and were setting conditions for new attacks on the Rugezi and Kabanja axes south of Minembwe.[6] One Congolese-government aligned source claimed in several posts on social media on September 4 that pro-Congolese government forces were bombing Nyaruhinga and Mukoko and conducting attacks on M23-allied force positions in Rugezi.[7] Congolese government-aligned sources first said on social media in unverified claims on September 4 that the FARDC shot down an enemy aircraft over Minembwe.[8] The FARDC reportedly conducted attacks on Twirwaneho positions around Point Zéro and Angùle village on September 6.[9] Angùle village may be in the locality of Nakihele. M23-aligned and Twirwaneho sources claimed that Twirwaneho repelled the attacks and routed pro-Congolese government forces before taking control of Mulima and Angùle on September 6.[10] M23-aligned media sources claimed that Twirwaneho defeated pro-Congolese government forces that had deployed to Mulima in major fighting in Kanguli and killed three Colombian private military contractors (PMCs).[11] Independent French journalist Christophe Riguad cited on social media several security sources on September 6 who claimed that Colombian PMCs linked to Erik Prince, an American citizen and PMC with close ties to US President Donald Trump’s administration, withdrew from the highlands to Uvira town.[12] One M23-aligned source claimed on social media on September 6 that the Prince-linked PMCs who fled were present at a hotel in Gatumba town near Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic capital.[13] The M23-aligned investigative outlet Great Lakes Eye cited military sources in an unverified report on September 9 who claimed that pro-Congolese government forces suffered heavy losses in Fizi in early September, with as many as 470 soldiers killed during operations against rebel coalition forces.[14]

Congolese government-aligned media sources began claiming on social media on September 6 that pro-Congolese government forces retained control of Kanguli and Mulima, however.[15] The Congolese media outlet Actualite.cd reported on September 7 that locals in Kanguli, Masunga, and Nakihele had fled after clashes between the two sides since September 6 but that pro-Congolese government forces retained control of Kanguli, Nakiehele and Mulima.[16] M23-aligned and Twirwaneho sources claimed on social media on September 7 that Twirwaneho forces captured a vehicle-mounted Chinese-made Yitian short-range anti-aircraft missile system that PMCs had abandoned before withdrawing from Kanguli or Mulima, however.[17] The FARDC’s regional spokesperson denied in a statement on September 8 that Mulima had fallen to Twirwaneho forces and claimed that the FARDC had recovered a position near Point Zéro.[18] Media sources on both sides claimed on social media on September 8 that the other side suffered heavy losses in fighting around Kanguli.[19] Congolese government-aligned media sources posted videos on social media on September 9 claiming that rebel forces coming from the Kaziba chiefdom in southern Walungu district were moving toward the Uvira and Mwenga highlands.[20] Two Congolese government-aligned media sources had claimed on September 7 that pro-Congolese government forces attacked M23 positions in Kaziba on September 7.[21] M23’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces conducted attacks using one-way attack drones on Point Zéro and Nyamabuguma near Minembwe on September 10.[22] Rugabo and Twirwaneho-aligned sources claimed on September 10 and 11 that pro-Congolese government forces continued to regroup in various areas in the highlands and midlands—including Lubarika in Uvira district—and reinforce their ranks on at least four axes around Minembwe.[23] Rugabo claimed that four FARDC battalions, two FDNB battalions, and Wazalendo and P5 fighters were stationed in Rubarati and two other villages near the Bijombo group in the midlands northeast of Minembwe.[24] Pro-Congolese government forces reportedly recaptured Rubarati and other operationally significant positions in the midlands northwest of Uvira town in late August.[25] The uptick in fighting in the highlands since mid-to-late August has reportedly caused significant humanitarian displacements.[26]

Media ecosystems on both sides echoed new claims of foreign involvement in South Kivu. M23-aligned sources claimed on social media on September 4 that the Tanzanian army recently deployed troops to the eastern DRC in support of pro-Congolese government forces.[27] M23-aligned sources also claimed that the Angolan army recently deployed troops to Katanga.[28] One Congolese-government aligned source claimed on social media on September 3 that the Tanzanian army will deploy to the eastern DRC to support the FARDC.[29] The same source also said that Angola troops would support the FARDC in Katanga against M23.[30] M23-aligned sources also claimed on September 4 that Belgium forces stationed in Kindu town in Maniema province had deployed 300 to 400 troops and ground assets to the eastern DRC.[31] A separate Congolese-government aligned source claimed on social media on September 3 that Rwandan, Kenyan, and Somali soldiers crossed the border into the DRC from Rwanda toward Kamanyola town in South Kivu on September 2.[32] This source claimed on September 4 that Somali and Kenyan fighters were present around Point Zéro.[33] Congolese government-aligned sources had first claimed that Somali nationals were fighting on the side of M23 in Walungu district in mid-August.[34] The head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office released information on social media on September 7 about Ukrainian intelligence operatives deployed across Africa and included a photo of Ukrainian fighters deployed in the DRC.[35] One Congolese government-aligned media source and likely FARDC special unit soldier claimed on social media that the photo was taken in the highlands and that Ukrainian operatives have helped M23 and the Rwandan army pilot attack drones used against pro-Congolese government forces.[36] The source claimed that a Ukrainian national was one of the pilots operating a Russian-made Antonov-model cargo plane that pro-Congolese government forces had shot down over Minembwe in late August.[37] Another Congolese government-aligned source had claimed in late August that the reported two pilots were Ukrainian.[38] M23-aligned and pro-Rwandan media sources have claimed previously in 2026 that Ukrainian PMCs have fought on the side of the Congolese government against M23.

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

M23 continued to consolidate its territorial control in southern Masisi district in North Kivu and reportedly pushed westward into previously uncontested areas of southwestern Masisi near the border with Walikale district for the first time. CTP reported previously that significant fighting took place in southern Masisi and that M23 had taken control of several key positions near the triborder area between Kalehe district in South Kivu and Masisi and Walikale districts.[39] This reportedly included Mitimingi, which is in a remote area in the Katoyi sector in southern Masisi—about 26 miles southwest of the mining town of Rubaya on local roads.[40] Fighting had reportedly concentrated on Biriko—about 10 miles southwest of Remeka—which is in the Ufamandu first group in Katoyi and the gateway town to the Waloa Loanda group in southeastern Walikale.[41] The Waloa Yungu group is near the border between Masisi and Walikale, its eastern edge touching the Osso Banyungu sector in Masisi. Videos circulated by M23-aligned media sources on September 4 purportedly showed a government helicopter and Congolese government-employed PMCs supplying weapons and provisions to Wazalendo fighters in Kimua in Walikale near the border with Masisi.[42] M23 reportedly repelled Wazalendo fighter attacks on its positions in Miko village, which is reportedly near Katuunda town—about 27 miles southwest of Rubaya—on September 5.[43] M23 had captured Katuunda, Miko, and nearby Chingete village from Wazalendo fighters on August 18, following a Wazalendo offensive in southern Masisi and northern Kalehe.[44] M23 reportedly attacked pro-Congolese government force positions and took control of Kibundi and Mwima, two remote villages in the Katoyi sector in Masisi near the border with Walikale, on September 6.[45] Actualite.cd reported on September 7 that displaced households coming from Masisi, including Ngululu, had been fleeing to Kyumba and Langira villages in Waloa Yungu due to the heightened fighting since September 3.[46] Langira is in a rural area roughly eight miles east of Ntoto on a local road. M23 then reportedly advanced on an axis northeast of Waloa Yungu to capture Ngululu before subsequently taking control of Humura in the Nyamaboko first group in the Osso Banyungu sector in Masisi from FARDC and Wazalendo fighters following heavy fighting on September 6.[47] M23 then used its position in Humura to advance further to Kibahemula and Rutoboko and then another mile to attack Wazalendo fighters in Kishee.[48] Actualite.cd reported that locals in Kyumba and Langira then fled on September 7 amid M23’s advance in the area.[49] M23 reportedly took control of Kazinga town from FARDC and Wazalendo fighters on September 7.[50] Kazinga is in Nyamaboko first, about miles northeast from Ngululu and 13 miles southwest of Masisi town on local roads. Actualite.cd reported that Kazinga eventually fell to M23 after the group had conducted attacks on Wazalendo positions in the town beginning on September 5.[51] Wazalendo fighters reportedly conducted counterattacks and retook control of Rutoboko and Kibahemula from M23 on September 8, however, with Humura remaining under M23 control.[52] Kibahemula and Rutoboko are about two miles west of Humura on a local road. Wazalendo fighters reportedly recaptured additional villages in the area from M23 on September 9, including Mwima and Ngomashi, pushing M23 back toward Ngululu.[53] Ngomashi is about one mile south of Humura on a local road. The FARDC and Wazalendo fighters coming from Waloa Yungu and adjacent Waloa Uroba group reportedly recaptured Humura after conducting counterattacks on M23 and pushed M23 back toward Kazinga on September 10.[54] Wazalendo fighters then reportedly ambushed M23 contingents on the road between Kazinga and Mahanga after Humura had fallen.[55]

M23 made gains toward Pinga town on the RP1030 on northern Masisi’s border with Walikale. CTP reported in early September that significant fighting took place between M23 and Wazalendo fighters in the Kisimba group, which is in a remote area in Walikale about six miles north of Kalembe and 10 miles east of Pinga on the RP1030.[56] Congolese government-aligned sources claimed on social media that FARDC and Wazalendo fighters attacked and clashed with M23 in Malemo and Luola villages on the RP1030 on September 4.[57] Malemo is about 15 miles east of Pinga. Luola is reportedly located in the Banakindi locality in Kisimba near Minjenje, which is about three miles northwest of Malemo on the RP1030. Clashes on the front lines reportedly continued on September 5, as FARDC-Wazalendo fighters reportedly dislodged M23 and captured several positions, including around Mpeti, high ground around Minjenje, and positions above Malemo center, as fighting continued around Malemo.[58] Wazalendo warlord Guidon Muissa reportedly held a local meeting on September 5 after retaking positions around Mpeti.[59] M23 forces reportedly conducted a flanking maneuver on September 6 and dislodged FARDC and Wazalendo elements from positions above Minejnje and Katobi, Burayi, and Malemo, however.[60] Katobi is about two miles west of Mpeti on the RP1030 and the last village on the RP1030 before Pinga. Heavy artillery attacks attributed to M23 on government troops on Minjenje, Katobi, Burayi, and Malemo reportedly forced FARDC-Wazalendo fighters to retreat to Mpeti, which they still controlled despite the M23 maneuver.[61] M23 reportedly received reinforcements that came from Rutshuru district and deployed to Ihula village, which is in Kisimba, in support an offensive Pinga via Mpeti.[62] The FARDC or Congolese government-employed PMCs reportedly conducted an airstrike on M23 positions in Malemo and Luola on September 8 after the rebels had reinforced their positions.[63] Actualite.cd reported that M23 bombed government positions in Minjenje on September 9.[64] Fighting between the two sides reportedly continued around Malemo and Luola on September 10 as the two sides vied for control of key positions.[65] Kanyuka claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces conducted attacks on Ihula, Malemo and Minjenje on September 10.[66] M23 then reportedly took control of Minjenje after clashing with FARDC and Wazalendo fighters on September 10.[67] Kivu Morning Post reported that Wazalendo fighters attacked an M23 position in Ihula village in Kisimba on September 11.[68] The Congolese government-aligned media outlet Tazama RDC reported that an M23 contingent coming from the Ikobo group to the north of Kisimba conducted an attack on pro-Congolese government forces on a rural village in Kisimba on September 11 in an attempt to link up with other M23 contingents who had captured Minjenje on September 10.[69]

Fighting reportedly broke out west of Nyabiondo near the RP529 road along western Masisi’s border with Walikale. Actualite.cd reported that Wazalendo fighters conducted attacks on M23 positions in Shango and Mahanga villages in the Butsike locality in the Nyamaboko first group in the Osso Banyungu sector in Masisi on September 5.[70] FARDC and Wazalendo fighters then reportedly clashed with M23 in Mahanga and Buhimba villages near the Masisi-Walikale border on September 8.[71] The two villages are key crossing points between this part of the Masisi-Walikale border. Buhimba is in the Waloa Yungu group in eastern Walikale, around 12 miles west of Nyabiondo in Masisi district on the RP529, whereas Mahanga is situated in the Osso Banyungu sector in Masisi. M23 reportedly received reinforcements in the Luberike group, which is north of Waloa Yungu, around Kashebere and Kibati on the RP529, around September 8.[72] Kashebere and Kibati are about eight and 21 miles west of Nyabiondo, respectively. Actualite.cd reported that clashes resumed around Buhimba and Mahanga on September 10 that Wazalendo fighters coming from Walikale had launched attacks on M23 positions.[73] Kanyuka claimed on social media that government forces conducted attacks on Buhimba on September 10.[74] FARDC and Wazalendo forces then reportedly conducted attacks on M23 in Kibati in Luberike on September 10 and 11 in an attempt to capture the position.[75] M23 has fully controlled Kibati since October 2025. Kanyuka claimed on social media that government forces conducted attacks on Kibati on September 10.[76] Wazalendo fighters reportedly then captured Kibati center from M23 after two days of significant fighting on September 11.[77] The fighting then shifted to and continued in Mahanga for the third straight day, before pro-Congolese government forces reportedly took control of the position on September 11.[78]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Clashes reportedly continued south of Walungu town in South Kivu. CTP reported previously that fighting between M23 and Wazalendo fighters took place around the Walungu district capital as part of an offensive that Wazalendo fighters had launched in the Walungu highlands in late August.[79] The two sides reportedly clashed in Kaniola between September 6 and 8.[80]

Major Political Developments

PMCs employed by the Congolese government allegedly arrested two FDNB officers in South Kivu and transferred them to Kinshasa, the Congolese capital. CTP reported previously M23 and Rwanda conducted a targeted airstrike on a hotel in Fizi district south of the front lines using a Turkish-made medium-altitude long-endurance attack drone on August 19.[81] Pro-Congolese government forces had been setting conditions for the ongoing Minembwe offensive. SOS Médias Burundi had confirmed in late August initial reporting that the strike had likely targeted several Congolese and Burundian military officials, namely the deputy commander of the FDNB land forces, the FDNB’s operations officer, and an FARDC regional commander, who were using the hotel to prepare new military operations with PMCs in South Kivu but had left the area before the attack.[82] The report also had said that authorities arrested several FDNB and FARDC officers as part of an investigation into a possible intelligence leak.[83] SOS Médias Burundi claimed in an unverified report on September 1 that FDNB Captain Félicien Kanjori and FDNB Major Jérémie Nitunga were among those arrested for allegedly providing target information to enemy forces that led to the August 19 strike.[84] The report cited several sources and local testimonies that said that PMCs—not Wazalendo fighters as originally reported—had arrested Kanjori and Nitunga and transferred them to Kinshasa under the custody of Congolese military intelligence services.[85] Great Lakes Eye cited unidentified sources in unverified reports on September 5 and 9 who echoed this account.[86]

Two separate exchanges of gunfire have reportedly occurred along the Burundi-Rwanda border since late August. SOS Médias Burundi reported on September 8 that Rwandan soldiers reportedly fired upon three Burundian fishermen who had mistakenly crossed the border at the Kanyaru River from Butanyerera province in northern Burundi.[87] The outlet reported that Burundian and Rwandan soldiers then exchanged fire briefly near the Kagera River, which borders northeastern Burundi’s Buhumuza province, on September 5, after Rwandan farmers had reportedly crossed over the border into Burundi.[88] SOS Médias Burundi cited a local administrative source who offered a different account of the September 5 incident, claiming that Burundian soldiers had fired upon a small motorized boat operated by the Rwandan navy after believing that the boat had crossed into Burundi.[89] Military forces from both sides reportedly reinforced their positions along their respective sides of the border following the two incidents.[90] The report said that hundreds of Burundian soldiers and members of the Imbonerakure, civilians of the affiliated youth wing of Burundi’s ruling party, positioned along the Kagera River.[91]

The UN repatriated over 100 members of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR). The UN’s mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) said on social media that MONUSCO repatriated 120 FDLR members and their dependents to the Mutobo demobilization center in northwestern Rwanda in coordination with the Congolese and Rwandan governments on September 8.[92]

Rwanda claimed that it repatriated around 300 refugees from the DRC. Rwanda’s Ministry in charge of Emergency Management said on social media on September 9 that Rwanda had received 366 Rwandan refugees from the DRC via Goma, Bukavu, and Kamanyola.[93] The last reported repatriation was in early August.[94] At least 3,000 refugees have returned to Rwanda this year, and Rwanda and the DRC reportedly agreed to repatriate 10,000 refugees in the second half of 2026 in line with the Washington Peace Accords.[95]

Officials in Republic of the Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s office are reportedly concerned about DRC state support to a former Rwandan diplomat who served under the regime of former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana. Sassou Nguesso arrived in Paris for a working visit at the invitation of French President Emmaneul Macron on September 8.[96] The French investigative outlet Africa Intelligence reported on September 10 that several security officials close to Sassou Nguesso raised concerns with French officials over alleged close ties between members of Tshisekedi’s inner circle and figures from the Rwandan opposition in exile and others linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.[97] Sassou Nguesso has good relations with both the DRC and Rwanda. The report said that Congolese officials’ concerns centered on Fabien Singaye, a former official under the Habyarimana regime and the son-in-law to Félicien Kabuga, who helped orchestrate and finance the genocide.[98] Africa Intelligence reported that Singaye is being “directly looked after” by Tshisekedi’s office, which has provided him a government-registered vehicle for his use in Kinshasa.[99]

Significant US-Backed Economic Activity

Nothing significant to report.