Congo War Security Review

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Key Takeaway: M23 clashed with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters on the RN2 in northern South Kivu. Former DRC President Joseph Kabila met with the leaders of Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) in Goma. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe met with the Qatari Prime Minister to discuss peace efforts.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

M23 clashed with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters on the RN2 in northern South Kivu. The Congolese news outlet Radio Okapi reported that M23 clashed with Wazalendo fighters in Chofi—about 33 miles north of Bukavu in Kalehe district on the RN2—from May 30 to June 1.[i] Civil society actors in Kalehe district claimed that M23 “abducted” nearly 20 young people whom M23 suspected were Wazalendo fighters from the Chofi area during the clashes.[ii]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

Nothing significant to report.

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

Former DRC President Joseph Kabila met with the leaders of Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) in Goma. Kabila met with senior AFC officials, including AFC head Corneille Nangaa and deputy AFC head Bertrand Bisimwa, for a “working session” at his residence near M23-occupied Goma on May 30.[iii] Nangaa said on social media that the meeting with Kabila, who he referred to as the “Honorary President,” was the first of a “series of reflections on how to establish and cement lasting peace” in the DRC.”[iv]  Kabila has held numerous meetings in Goma with close associates, M23 officials, and local and regional leaders since May 26.[v]

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe met with the Qatari Prime Minister to discuss peace efforts. Nduhungirehe met with the Qatari Prime Minister in Doha, the Qatari capital, to discuss bilateral relations and “efforts to resolve the crisis” between Rwanda and the DRC on June 1.[vi] Qatar is closely involved in peace initiatives between the DRC, M23, and Rwanda.