Congo War Security Review, March 16, 2026

Data Cutoff: March 16, 2026, at 1 P.M. EST

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Key Takeaway: Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 in Goma in North Kivu. The Congolese army (FARDC) and allied forces clashed with M23-aligned militia fighters around Minembwe town in South Kivu. Wazalendo fighters recaptured a village from M23 near the RP1030 in Masisi district in North Kivu. The FARDC arrested two Wazalendo militia leaders.

Kinetic Activity in M23-Controlled Areas    

Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 in Goma in North Kivu. Wazalendo fighters from the Virunga National Park reportedly attacked M23 in the Mugunga and Lac Vert neighborhoods in the western part of Goma on March 16.[i] M23 reportedly repelled the attack and killed at least 13 Wazalendo fighters in the ensuing clashes.[ii] Wazalendo fighters had previously clashed with M23 in the northern part of Goma and in Virunga on March 8.[iii]

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia  

Nothing significant to report.  

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

The Congolese army (FARDC) and allied forces clashed with M23-aligned militia fighters around Minembwe town in South Kivu. The FARDC and allied forces reportedly clashed with and conducted drone attacks on M23-aligned Twirwaneho positions around Minembwe, particularly in Kalingi—about seven miles from Minembwe center on a local road—on March 15.[iv] M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka accused the FARDC of indiscriminately bombing the Kalingi area using one-way attack drones in a statement on social media on March 15.[v]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani 

Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters recaptured a village from M23 near the RP1030 in Masisi district in North Kivu. Wazalendo fighters reportedly clashed with M23 and recaptured Malemo village on the R1030 in Masisi on March 16 after two days of fighting.[vi] Malemo is about 16 miles east of Pinga on the RP1030. Wazalendo fighters had previously attacked M23 in Kashuga village, about 11 miles south of Malemo on the RP1030, around March 12.[vii]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu  

Nothing significant to report.  

Major Political Developments  

The FARDC arrested two Wazalendo militia leaders. The FARDC reportedly arrested two Wazalendo leaders who commanded forces that operate in Kalehe, Masisi, and Walikale districts in North and South Kivu on March 16.[viii] The FARDC said that it made the arrests over human rights abuses and continual infighting between the two leaders.[ix]

Significant US-Backed Regional Economic Activity

Nothing significant to report.