Congo War Security Review

Data Cutoff: October 31, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST 

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Key Takeaway: M23 clashed with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo forces in Rutshuru district in North Kivu. M23 retook control of a village from Wazalendo fighters in southern Masisi district in North Kivu. M23 conducted cordon and search operations in Goma and Bukavu in North and South Kivu. 

Kinetic Activity in M23-Controlled Areas 

M23 clashed with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo forces in Rutshuru district in North Kivu. The Congolese media outlet Kivu Morning Post reported that M23 clashed with Wazalendo forces in Kiyeye village, about five miles west of Nyanzale on a local road, in the Bwito chiefdom in Rutshuru on October 29 and 30.[i]

M23 conducted a cordon and search operation in Goma in North Kivu. The Congolese media outlet Actualite.cd reported that M23 conducted the operation in the Ndosho neighborhood in Karisimbi commune in Goma on October 31.[ii] M23 had conducted a similar operation in Goma on October 17.[iii]

M23 conducted a cordon and search operation in Bukavu in South Kivu. M23 said that it conducted the operation targeting criminals in the Panzi neighborhood in Ibanda commune on the southern edge of Bukavu on October 30.[iv] The group said that it confiscated weapons and narcotics in the operation.[v] The Congolese media outlet Radio Maendeleo reported on October 29 that armed actors have recently caused insecurity in Panzi and other areas of Bukavu.[vi] M23 last conducted a cordon operation in Bukavu in early October.[vii]

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia 

Nothing significant to report. 

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Nothing significant to report. 

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani 

M23 retook control of a village from Wazalendo fighters in southern Masisi district in North Kivu. M23 reportedly clashed with Wazalendos and recaptured Ndete town in the Katoyi sector in southwest Masisi near the border with Walikale district on October 30.[viii] CTP is unable to verify the precise location of Ndete. M23 had clashed with Wazalendo fighters in Ndete and in the Katoyi sector, including in Remeka—about 13 miles southwest of Rubaya—on several occasions in early October.[ix]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report. 

Major Political Developments 

Nothing significant to report.