Congo War Security Review

An in-depth review of activity related to the war in the eastern DRC between M23 and its Rwandan backers and pro-Congolese government forces every week. Map shapefiles are available by request via email at [email protected].

April 03, 2026

Data Cutoff: April 3, 2026, at 1 P.M. EST

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Key Takeaway: M23 withdrew from its most forward position in Lubero district in North Kivu. Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters recaptured several villages in Kalehe district in an area on the border between North and South Kivu provinces.

Kinetic Activity in M23-Controlled Areas

Nothing significant to report.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

M23 withdrew from its most forward position in Lubero district in North Kivu. M23 elements reportedly withdrew from Katondi village, about 10 miles south of Lubero town on the RN2, on April 2.[1] M23 had maintained a position in Katondi, despite withdrawing from numerous localities on the front line since late March.[2] Some reports indicated on April 2 that M23 still controlled at least two villages—notably Lubango—a few miles south of Katondi.[3]

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters recaptured several villages in Kalehe district in an area on the border between North and South Kivu provinces. Wazalendo fighters reportedly retook control of several villages in the Ziralo group, including Chambombo, in northern Kalehe after clashing with M23 on April 2.[4] Chambombo is roughly 13 miles southwest of Numbi, a mineral trading center, on a local road. The two sides had clashed in the Ziralo group on March 31.[5] A pro-Congolese government journalist reported that fighting also took place on several hills that overlook Lumbishi in northern Kalehe on April 2.[6] Lumbishi is in between the Ziralo group and Numbi, about four miles south of Kashovu village in Masisi district in North Kivu. M23 and Wazalendo fighters had clashed in this area previously on March 31.[7]