Congo War Security Review

Data Cutoff: May 21, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Read CTP’s latest analysis on peace talks between the DRC, M23, and Rwanda and Uganda’s role in the DRC in the latest Africa File here. To receive the Africa File and Congo War Security Review via email, please subscribe here.

Key Takeaway: The French investigate outlet Africa Intelligence reported that DRC President Félix Tshisekedi offered the United States a mineral deal worth $3 trillion in exchange for security assistance. M23 reportedly clashed with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters near the RN2 in northern South Kivu.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

M23 reportedly clashed with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters near the RN2 in northern South Kivu. An independent Congolese journalist reported on May 21 that M23 attacked Wazalendo fighters near Katana village, on the edge of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park between Kabare and Kalehe districts.[i] The journalist said on social media that fighters from the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda, an ethnic Hutu group opposed to the Rwandan government, operate in the area near the Kahuzi-Biega National Park.[ii] M23 had reportedly recaptured several villages near Katana in late April but has since faced sporadic resistance from pro-Congolese governments fighters in the area.[iii]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

Nothing significant to report.

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

The French investigate outlet Africa Intelligence reported on May 21 that DRC President Félix Tshisekedi offered the United States a mineral deal worth $3 trillion in exchange for security assistance.[iv] The DRC is negotiating a bilateral economic agreement with the United States as part of a broader peace agreement in the Great Lakes region.