Congo War Security Review

* CTP will be pausing the Congo War Security Review from December 26 to January 2 for Christmas and New Year's. The next update will publish as usual on January 5, 2026. *

Data Cutoff: December 24, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Read CTP’s latest analysis on the war in the eastern DRC in the weekly Africa File here.    

Key Takeaway: Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters clashed with M23 in Fizi district in South Kivu. DRC President Félix Tshisekedi met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé to discuss the security situation in the eastern DRC.

Kinetic Activity in M23-Controlled Areas    

Nothing significant to report.  

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia  

Nothing significant to report.  

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters clashed with M23 in Fizi district in South Kivu. Wazalendo fighters reportedly attacked M23 near Makobola village on the RN5 in Fizi district on December 24.[i] Makobola is about 10 miles south of Uvira town and 17 miles north of Mboko in Fizi on the RN5. 

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani  

Nothing significant to report.  

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu  

Nothing significant to report.  

Major Political Developments  

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé to discuss the security situation in the eastern DRC. Tshisekedi received Gnassingbé in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, for an official visit on December 22.[ii] Gnassingbé is the designated mediator for the African Union-led peace process between the DRC, Rwanda, and M23. Tshisekedi said that the pair discussed bilateral cooperation and the security situation in the eastern DRC.[iii] Independent Congolese journalist Steve Wembi reported on social media on December 22 that the Congolese government has “rejected any new meeting” with M23 in Qatari-led peace talks.[iv] The Congolese government and M23 had signed a roadmap framework agreement on November 15 but have not reconvened negotiations.[v]