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 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Map shapefiles are available by request via email at [email protected].

Data Cutoff: July 28, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Key Takeaway: M23 clashed with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters in several villages near the Masisi district capital in North Kivu. M23 clashed with Wazalendo fighters in a remote area in Walikale district in North Kivu.

Kinetic Activity in Rutshuru & Eastern Masisi Districts

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Nothing significant to report.

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

M23 clashed with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters in several villages near the Masisi district capital in North Kivu. Congolese media reported that M23 clashed with Wazalendo fighters in Showa village—eight miles west of Masisi town—on July 25.[i] Congolese media reported that M23 repelled Wazalendo attacks on its positions in Luke and Katoboto villages on July 26.[ii] Luke is about 13 miles south of Masisi town and 14 miles west of Rubaya on local roads. M23 has repelled Wazalendo attacks near Luke since M23 captured the area on July 23 and deployed additional fighters in recent days.[iii] The Congolese media outlet Actualite.cd reported that M23 also clashed with Wazalendos in Kazinga village, which is roughly 17 miles southwest of Masisi town, on July 26.[iv]

M23 clashed with Wazalendo fighters in a remote area in Walikale district in North Kivu. Actualite.cd reported that M23 attacked Wazalendo positions in village north of the RP1030 in the Kisimba group in Walikale on July 26.[v]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

Nothing significant to report.


[i] https://actualite dot cd/2025/07/26/rdc-masisi-les-rebelles-de-lafcm23-semparent-de-la-localite-de-showa-ce-samedi; https://www.radiookapi dot net/2025/07/25/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-violents-affrontements-entre-m23-et-groupes-armes-locaux

[ii] https://actualite dot cd/2025/07/25/en-depit-du-processus-de-doha-lafcm23-poursuit-ses-conquetes-lagglomeration-de-mulema; https://x.com/TazamaRDC_Infos/status/1948991850548797517; https://www.radiookapi dot net/2025/07/25/actualite/securite/nord-kivu-violents-affrontements-entre-m23-et-groupes-armes-locaux

[iii] https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/congo-war-security-review/congo-war-security-review-july-25-2025; https://actualite dot cd/2025/07/25/en-depit-du-processus-de-doha-lafcm23-poursuit-ses-conquetes-lagglomeration-de-mulema

[iv] https://actualite dot cd/2025/07/26/masisi-les-rebelles-de-lafcm23-et-les-wazalendo-saffrontent-kazinga-ce-samedi

[v] https://actualite dot cd/2025/07/28/walikale-calme-precaire-kalinga-apres-des-affrontements-entre-les-rebelles-de-lafcm23-et

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