Congo War Security Review, June 18, 2025

Data Cutoff: June 18, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Key Takeaway: Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters clashed with M23 on several fronts around Bukavu in South Kivu. M23 clashed with Wazalendos in several remote villages in eastern Walikale district in North Kivu. Human Rights Watch reported that M23 has illegally repatriated more than 1,500 people to Rwanda since early 2025.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters clashed with M23 on several fronts around Bukavu in South Kivu. Wazalendo fighters clashed with M23 in several villages near Katana and on the hills surrounding Kavumu in Kabare district on the RN2 on June 18.[i] Katana is roughly 24 miles north of Bukavu on the RN2. Wazalendo fighters have clashed with M23 near Katana on the RN2 since early June.[ii] Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 in the Cirunga group on the western outskirts of Bukavu in the Bagira commune on June 18.[iii] Wazalendos clashed with M23 in Nyantende village, which is about five miles south of Bukavu on the RN2, on June 18.[iv] M23 reportedly attacked Wazalendos in several villages near Nyangezi—about 14 miles south of Bukavu on the RN5 in Walungu district—on June 17 and June 18.[v] Wazalendo fighters clashed with M23 in several villages near Burhale, about 30 miles southwest of Bukavu on the RN2, in Walungu district on June 17 and June 18.[vi]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

M23 clashed with Wazalendos in several remote villages in eastern Walikale district in North Kivu. Congolese media reported that M23 attacked Wazalendo positions in the Kisimba group on June 17.[vii] M23 last clashed with Wazalendos in Kisimba and the neighboring Ikobo group in early June.[viii]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that M23 has repatriated more than 1,500 people to Rwanda since early 2025. HRW reported on June 18 that M23 transferred more than 1,500 people to Rwanda from February to May.[ix] HRW said that the forced repatriations violated international humanitarian law.[x] HRW said that the transfers were part of M23’s broader campaign to root out suspected fighters from the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda.[xi] CTP previously assessed that this campaign aims to eliminate potential opposition to M23 control and address persistent insecurity in areas that it controls.[xii]