Congo War Security Review

Data Cutoff: October 7, 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: DRC President Félix Tshisekedi’s special envoy undertook a regional tour to rally support for the DRC’s plan to demobilize the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR). Three of the African Union mediators for the DRC peace process visited Goma and Kigali to meet with regional stakeholders. Pro-Congolese government forces retook Remeka town and claimed control of other areas in southern Masisi district in North Kivu as significant fighting continued into early October. The US-backed Ruzizi hydropower plant project is reportedly back in limbo after a Chinese firm withdrew from the project’s consortium.

Kinetic Activity in Rutshuru & Eastern Masisi Districts

Nothing significant to report.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters reportedly attacked M23 on the front line in Lubero district in North Kivu. M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, claimed in a statement on social media that pro-Congolese government forces operating from Kipese town shelled Mutondi village on September 28.[1] Mutondi is roughly four miles south of Kipese on a local road.[2] The Congolese media outlet Actualite.cd reported that Wazalendo fighters attacked and clashed with M23 in several villages in the Batangi chiefdom in south-central Lubero, including Kandole, Kirivu, Vyanze, between October 1 and 4.[3] The report from October 5 claimed that Wazalendo fighters had captured Kandole and Kirvu and advanced toward Mutondi, as M23 deployed reinforcements to Vyanze from Kitsombiro on the RN2 via Kasusa and Luvereya and before Wazalendo fighters then retreated.[4] Kandole and Vyanze are south of Kipese, closer to Lake Edward and roughly 20 and 14 miles east of Alimbongo on the RN2, respectively. Kanyuka claimed that a helicopter operated by pro-Congolese government forces dropped two explosives on Pitakongo in Lubero on October 3.[5] CTP is unable to verify the precise location of Pitakongo.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Numerous villages changed hands between pro-Congolese government forces and M23 in the northern Kalehe district highlands in South Kivu in early October. Congolese government-aligned sources claimed on social media that the Congolese army (FARDC) and Wazalendo fighters took control of several villages in the Ziralo group in northern Kalehe from M23, including Katale, Kafufula, Chambombo et Kudépôt, as early as October 3 after significant clashes with M23.[6] This represents the fourth pro-Congolese government offensive against M23 in northern Kalehe since late June. Pro-Congolese government forces then reportedly captured Lumbishi, Shanje, and several other localities in the area around October 5, before advancing on and capturing the mining town of Numbi on October 6 after M23 had withdrawn.[7] Clashes continued on October 7, and M23 reportedly recaptured Numbi, Shanje, and Kavumu near Numbi before advancing toward Chambombo.[8] Wazalendo fighters reportedly set fire to dozens of houses and shops in the public market and looted livestock belonging to locals in Shanje as they were withdrawing from the town between October 6 and 7.[9]

Fighting between M23-allied militia fighters and pro-Congolese government forces continued in the highlands and midlands in South Kivu. M23-allied Twirwaneho and reported RED–Tabara fighters reportedly clashed with pro-Congolese government forces in the midlands between September 24 and 27, capturing Magunda, Maheta, Kakuku, Mushojo, and Nanjale villages in the Basimukindji second group in the Itombwe sector in Mwenga district around September 26.[10] The Basimukindji second group is in a mountainous area northwest of Uvira town in the Bavira chiefdom. M23-allied fighters reportedly also captured Mibunda, which is a few miles north of Magunda on a rural road, around September 26.[11]

Clashes continued further south around Minembwe town in the Fizi highlands. An independent Congolese journalist reported on social media that M23-Twirwaneho fighters conducted a drone attack on a pro-Congolese government position at Mulima near Point Zéro, which is an operationally significant hilltop east of Minembwe, on September 24.[12] Pro-Congolese government forces reportedly intensified attacks on numerous villages, including Rugezi, Gipimo, and Wihene, to the south of Minembwe on September 26 and 27.[13] Kanyuka claimed on social media on September 27 that pro-Congolese government forces also attacked Point Zéro.[14] Twirwaneho-aligned sources claimed on social media on September 28 that Twirwaneho repelled the attacks on Rugezi and Gipimo.[15] Congolese government-aligned sources claimed on social media on September 28 that pro-Congolese government forces shot down a drone, reportedly Ukrainian-made, over Rugezi.[16] One M23-aligned source claimed on social media that Bafulero fighters featured in videos that circulated after the drone was downed said that the drones belonged to pro-Congolese government forces.[17] The Burundian army (FDNB) spokesman, Brig. Gen. Gaspard Baratuza, confirmed at a press conference on September 29 that military authorities had arrested two FDNB officers in South Kivu in late August but denied that they were transferred to Kinshasa.[18] Baratuza also denied reports that have circulated since September 21 that Tanzanian troops entered Burundi and have deployed to the eastern DRC in FDNB military uniforms.[19] Fighting reportedly continued around Rugezi and Gipimo and in the Basimimbi group in the Lulenge sector on September 29 and 30.[20] Fighting also continued in an area known as Avocat, near Kanguli and close to Point Zéro, on September 30.[21] Congolese-government aligned sources claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces captured Wihene on September 30 after clashes with M23-allied fighters.[22] Pro-Congolese government forces reportedly conducted attacks on Nyaruhinga, Point Zéro, and other areas near Minembwe on September 30.[23] A Burundian human rights activist opposed to the Burundian government claimed on social media on October 2 that FDNB Captain Sylvestre Barutwanayo died fighting in combat at Rugezi in late September or early October.[24] M23-aligned sources claimed on social media that Twirwaneho repelled pro-Congolese government attacks on its positions in Gipimo on October 2.[25] Kanyuka claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces bombed Wihene using one-way (OWA) attack drones on October 3.[26] Twirwaneho-aligned sources claimed that pro-Congolese government forces conducted drone attacks on Point Zéro and Mukoko on October 4.[27] Kanyula claimed that pro-Congolese government forces conducted OWA attacks on Rugezi on October 6 and 7.[28] The FARDC claimed on October 7 that 17 fighters from the M23 alliance surrendered near Abala, Nyaruhinga, and Kabanja on October 6.[29]

Fighting broke out near Katana town and the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNKB) in Kabare district in South Kivu. Wazalendo fighters reportedly clashed with M23 in Kabushwa village on the outskirts of Katana town on the RN2 and the edge of the PNKB on September 28.[30] Congolese-government aligned sources claimed on social media that pro-Congolese government forces captured several positions overlooking Katana as early as September 30.[31] Fighting reportedly resumed in Kabushwa, Kahungu, and the Mbinga Sud group on October 6.[32]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

The FARDC and Wazalendo fighters retook Remeka town and claimed control of other areas in southern Masisi district in North Kivu as significant fighting on this axis continued into early October. CTP last reported in late September that M23 reinforced its positions with troops and military equipment from Ngungu toward the front line and launched attacks to recapture operationally significant areas near Remeka town in the Ufamandu first group in southern Masisi.[33] M23 reportedly continued to reinforce its positions as clashes between the group and pro-Congolese government forces resumed in Remeka and Nkokwe on September 25.[34] M23 then reportedly recaptured Remeka, Nkokwe, and Muhororo on September 25, before the group advanced to and clashed with pro-Congolese government forces using drones in Kaleta and Miko hill, which is near Katuunda, on September 26.[35] Clashes reportedly resumed around Kaleta and Miko on September 27.[36] M23 reportedly targeted two Wazalendo positions in Kaleta and Bitoyi in Ufamandu using drones on September 28.[37] Significant fighting reportedly did not resume until October 3, when Congolese government-aligned sources claimed on social media that the FARDC and Wazalendo fighters recaptured Remeka, Muhororo, Kamuhobe, Nyamiri, and Mihano after clashing with M23.[38] This is the fourth time that Remeka has changed hands since late August. Congolese government-aligned sources claimed on social media that fighting resumed further west as Wazalendo fighters captured Mushongi village—near the Katoyi sector capital to the west of Remeka—as part of a Wazalendo effort to put pressure on Katoyi and Mitimingi, on October 4.[39] Congolese military authorities claimed on October 4 that pro-Congolese government forces captured 10 M23 fighters during recent clashes in Remeka, Mohololo, Biriko, and Miko.[40] Fighting resumed closer to Remeka on October 5, as pro-Congolese government forces claimed control of Nyakigano, Nkokwe and Kashovu villages near Kasake.[41] Wazalendo fighters reportedly also claimed control of Changayi, Ruseme, and Kasheke villages further north and closer to Katoyi in the Nyamaboko group in the Osso Banyungu sector on October 5.[42] Wazalendo fighters then claimed control of Mitimingi on October 5.[43] Clashes between the two sides reportedly resumed in several areas in southern Masisi on October 6 and 7, including Kasake, Katoyi, Kashovu, Burora.[44]

M23 reportedly conducted a drone attack on Pinga town, as clashes resumed on the RP1030 on the Masisi-Walikale district border in North Kivu. Actualite.cd reported that fighting between the FARDC and Wazalendo fighters and M23 resumed on the hills of Kazumba, Kasumba and Chad in the Kisimba group near Minjenje on the RP1030 on September 26.[45] Wazalendo fighters and possible militants from the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR) reportedly infiltrated Burungu village, which is further south on the RP1030—about six miles south of Kitchanga town—in M23 uniforms and attacked M23 elements and civilians on September 26.[46] M23 then reportedly conducted a drone attack on an FARDC position at the Pinga airfield in the first reported M23 air attack on the town on September 28.[47] The Congolese representative to the UN claimed at a UN Security Council hearing on September 29 that the Rwandan army was responsible for the attack and used a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2-type medium-altitude long-endurance drone.[48] Pro-Congolese government forces reportedly recaptured several positions above Minjenje and Malemo on the RP1030 after clashes with M23 on September 28.[49]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi’s special envoy undertook a regional tour to rally support for the DRC’s plan to demobilize the FDLR. Floribert Anzuluni, the Congolese Minister of Regional Integration, traveled to Togo and met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé in Lomé to discuss the plan on September 29.[50] Gnassingbé is the designated mediator for the African Union (AU) in the DRC peace process. Anzuluni and Sumbu Sita Mambu, who oversees the M23 file in Tshisekedi’s office, then traveled to Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo and met with President Denis Sassou Nguesso to discuss the plan on September 30.[51] Anzuluni and Sita Mambu traveled to Luanda in Angola on the same day and met with Angolan President João Lourenço to discuss the plan.[52] Anzuluni then traveled to Bujumbura in Burundi to meet with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye on October 1.[53] Ndayishimiye currently serves as Chairman of the African Union. Anzuluni and Sita Mambu then traveled to Entebbe in Uganda and met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on October 5.[54] Tanzanian President Samia Hassan then received Anzuluni and Sita Mambu in Dar es Salaam on October 6.[55] The Congolese Ministry of Regional Integration said that the meeting with Hassan focused on “significant progress” made in the process since Anzuluni conducted a previous regional tour to rally support for the plan and the Congolese government publicly revealed it in late July.[56]

Three of the AU mediators for the DRC peace process visited Goma and Kigali to meet with regional stakeholders. The French investigative outlet Africa Intelligence reported on September 30 that the panel of AU facilitators plans to visit Goma, Kigali, and Kinshasa by mid-October.[57] A delegation that included three of the facilitators—former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Botswanan president Mokgweetsi Masisi, and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde— and accompanied by the Togolese deputy foreign minister and a senior AU official met with the senior leadership of Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)–M23 at the Serena Hotel in Goma on October 5.[58] The two other facilitators, former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, were reportedly absent due to health reasons and separate diplomatic efforts related to the war in the Horn of Africa, respectively.[59] The facilitators then met with representatives from the UN’s mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) in Goma.[60] The delegation also met with UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism.[61] The panel then traveled to Kigali, and Kenyatta met with Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe on October 6.[62] The facilitators called for all sides to respect the ceasefire and resume engagement under the Doha process in a statement on October 7.[63] The facilitators then met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on October 7.[64]

Burundi banned entry to individuals from M23-controlled areas. The Burundian interior minister, Léonidas Ndaruzaniye, announced on October 1 that the Burundian government would henceforth refuse entry to people coming from areas controlled by M23 or transiting through them.[65] Ndaruzaniye said that the ban also applies to UN personnel in these areas.[66] Ndaruzaniye said he had received “numerous calls from people asking him to reverse his decision” but reportedly said that he stayed the policy because Burundi was “Kinshasa’s ally,” according to the independent Burundian media outlet SOS Médias Burundi in a report on October 2.[67]

New reporting adds detail to the US-DRC security memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in December 2025. The US military and the FARDC had held limited technical exchanges in July 2025, a few weeks after the United States brokered the June 2025 DRC-Rwanda peace agreement, and reportedly began negotiating the details of a security partnership around September 2025.[68] These negotiations culminated in the signing an MOU an expanded security partnership under the Washington Peace Accords in early December 2025.[69] CTP assessed in early 2026 that the security partnership had already led to greater defense cooperation and could materialize into a formalized defense agreement, which would reportedly entail US training support, arms transfers, and intelligence sharing.[70] The French state media outlet Radio France Internationale (RFI) reported on the contents of the MOU in a report on October 3.[71] The report said that one of the partnership’s main aims is to protect the DRC’s territorial integrity and Congolese mineral assets and infrastructure.[72] RFI reported that the partnership aims to strengthen the Congolese army in what would be the “largest professional military training program in Central Africa,” specifically mentioning training in intelligence, logistics, and military engineering.[73] The report said that the memorandum also provides for cooperation on border control and information sharing, while US assistance for modernizing the DRC’s armed forces would be contingent on progress in military professionalization, human rights, and accountability, with no funding guaranteed.[74] The report said that the five-year memorandum is non-binding and that additional agreements would establish specific implementation.[75]

Significant US-Backed Economic Activity

The US-backed Ruzizi hydropower plant project is reportedly back in limbo after a Chinese firm withdrew from the project’s consortium. CTP reported previously that the Ruzizi III hydropower dam in the tri-border area, which is the flagship project under the US-brokered Regional Economic Integration Framework, has faced delays since mid-2025, in part due to the Congolese government’s refusal to support a demilitarized zone around the project.[76] The project, which is developed as a public-private partnership between the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi, will cost $760 million and benefit about 30 million people across the Burundi, the DRC, and Rwanda.[77] The United States formally asked the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi to move forward with the project amid delays and designate it as a confidence-building measure in mid-March.[78] CTP reported in late June 2026 that the project had made recent progress, with development finance institutions expected to release funding after the DRC’s water and energy minister began advocating in May for government measures to advance the project.[79] Africa Intelligence reported on September 28 that the project is now in jeopardy again, however, after the Chinese government instructed Chinese firm Dongfang Electric Corp., which was responsible for a key construction component, to pull out of negotiations with the project’s consortium.[80] The report said that a contract setting prices with the project’s contractors, including Dongfang, was expected to be awarded by the end of August, but an announcement is now not expected until the end of the year or possibly early 2027.[81] The report said that the US decision to include the project among confidence-building measures intended to support peace on the ground may have influenced the Chinese firm’s decision to pull out.[82]

* CTP will now publish the Congo War Security Review every Wednesday for the foreseeable future. The next brief is scheduled for October 7, 2026. * 

Readers can explore CTP’s new interactive map documenting AFC-M23’s assessed area of operation in the eastern DRC here.

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]