Congo War Security Review, May 7, 2025

* CTP will be pausing the Congo War Security Review from May 12 through May 19. CTP will resume its usual daily schedule on May 20. *

Data Cutoff: May 7, 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: M23 appointed an international diplomacy chief and plans to install “regional representatives” in the coming days. M23 has attempted to alleviate tax burdens in recent days in response to growing criticism of excessive M23 taxation. Rwandan President Paul Kagame met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

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

Nothing significant to report.

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

M23 appointed an international diplomacy chief and plans to install “regional representatives” in the coming days. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said on social media on May 6 that M23 appointed Willy Nshuti to be M23’s representative abroad and several deputies to support Nshuti.[i] Kanyuka said that M23 plans to designate several representatives to represent M23 regionally in the coming days.[ii]

Locals in M23-controlled Idjwi district allegedly wrote to M23 authorities criticizing excessive M23 taxation. The Congolese media outlet Jua RDC reported on May 7 that locals in Idjwi district in South Kivu said that M23 taxes are “excessive and redundant” and have significantly impacted the local economy in a letter to the M23-appointed South Kivu governor on May 6.[iii] The letter criticized that many goods from Bukavu and Goma are taxed upon departure and are subject to arbitrary tax rates when they arrive in Idjwe.[iv] The locals called on M23 authorities to address the issue of “double and even triple” taxation and exempt basic goods from taxes.[v] Reuters reported that M23 had “overhauled its tax policy” in March to generate revenue and consolidate its parallel administration.[vi] M23 has imposed several taxes and local levies on commercial and mining activity that has affected small businesses, local traders, and relief aid agencies since March.[vii]

M23 has reportedly taken limited measures in recent days to alleviate the tax burden on locals. A pro-M23 journalist said on social media on May 6 that M23 lowered transportation fees in Goma and Bukavu upon request.[viii] The Congolese news outlet Kivu Morning Post reported that the M23-appointed governor of North Kivu acknowledged the “economic suffering of local households” and exempted locals in Sake from taxes for three months on May 2.[ix]

Rwandan President Paul Kagame met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The Rwandan presidency said on social media on May 7 that Kagame and Macron met to discuss “global issues” and the “fruitful cooperation” between the two countries.[x] France is closely involved with US and Qatari efforts to broker a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda.[xi] Macron has positioned himself as a non-African mediator in the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda over the last several years.[xii]