Congo War Security Review, December 22, 2025

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

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Key Takeaway: Fighting continued on the frontline south of Uvira town in Fizi district in South Kivu. The Congolese army and pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 around the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Kalehe and Kabare districts in South Kivu. Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 near the RP1030 in eastern Masisi district in North Kivu.

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

Fighting continued on the frontline south of Uvira town in Fizi district in South Kivu. M23 reportedly clashed with the Congolese army (FARDC) and pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters between Makobola and Munene villages on the RN5 on December 21 and 22.[i] Munene is about 12 miles north of Mboko town and 15 miles south of Uvira on the RN5. Wazalendo fighters reportedly attacked M23 and retook a few villages on the RN5, before M23 pushed Wazalendos back to Munene on December 22.[ii]

The FARDC and Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 around the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Kalehe and Kabare districts in South Kivu. The Congolese media outlet Radio Maedeleo reported that Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 in Mulangala locality—roughly five miles northwest of Kavumu airport on the RN2—on the eastern edge of Kahuzi-Biega in Kabare district on December 21.[iii] Wazalendo fighters have attacked M23 frequently in villages bordering the park for several months. The FARDC and Wazalendo fighters reportedly recaptured several villages, including Katasomwa, on the northern tip of Kahuzi-Biega in southern Kalehe district on December 21, after launching an offensive on M23 in this area around December 18.[iv]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani  

Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 near the RP1030 in eastern Masisi district in North Kivu. The Congolese media outlet Kivu Morning Post reported that Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 on the outskirts of Mweso in Mbuhi village near the RP1030 on December 22.[v] Mweso is about 11 miles north of Kitchanga on the RP1030. Wazalendo fighters last clashed with M23 near Mweso in mid-November.[vi]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu  

Nothing significant to report.  

Major Political Developments  

Nothing significant to report.