Congo War Security Review, May 22, 2025

Data Cutoff: May 22, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

*CTP will be publishing the Congo War Security Review every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, instead of Monday–Friday, starting on May 28 due to Memorial Day in the United States on May 26*

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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 has repatriated thousands of “Rwandan refugees” to Rwanda with UN oversight since early May.

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 has repatriated thousands of “Rwandan refugees” to Rwanda with UN oversight since early May. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said on social media that M23 repatriated 610 people on May 22.[i] Kanyuka claimed that the refugees were dependents of fighters from the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), an ethnic Hutu group opposed to the Rwandan government.[ii] French media had reported on May 21 that M23 has repatriated close to 2,000 people since May 10.[iii] M23 repatriated at least 780 people on May 19.[iv] M23 repatriated more than 360 people on May 16.[v] The Rwandan foreign minister claimed on social media that the refugees repatriated on May 16 were “held [as] hostages by the FDLR.”[vi] M23 reportedly destroyed Congolese identity documents of “illegal Rwandan citizens” whom M23 repatriated on May 16.[vii]