Congo War Security Review, March 23, 2026

Data Cutoff: March 23, 2026, at 1 P.M. EST

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Read CTP’s assessment on the restart of the Washington Peace Accords in Deadlock in the DRC: Africa File Special Edition.

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Key Takeaway: The Congolese army (FARDC) and allied forces reportedly conducted air attacks on M23-aligned militia fighters in the South Kivu highlands. The FARDC and pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters repelled an M23 attack west of Masisi town in North Kivu. Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 in eastern Walikale 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

The Congolese army (FARDC) and allied forces reportedly conducted air attacks on M23-aligned militia fighters in the South Kivu highlands. The FARDC and allied forces reportedly conducted drone attacks on M23-aligned Twirwaneho positions in Minembwe town and several surrounding villages, including Kakenge and Kalingi—the latter about seven miles from Minembwe center on a local road—between March 19 and 22.[1] M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka denounced the attacks in a statement on social media on March 22.[2]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani 

The FARDC and pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters repelled an M23 attack west of Masisi town in North Kivu. The FARDC and Wazalendo fighters reportedly repelled an M23 attack on their positions in Kazinga village, about 13 miles west of Masisi town, on March 23.[3] The FARDC and Wazalendo fighters had captured Kazinga from M23 in early March, following a joint offensive that began in mid-February.[4]

Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 in eastern Walikale district in North Kivu. Wazalendo fighters reportedly attacked M23 in Kanune village—about 19 miles west of Kanyabayonga in Rutshuru district on a local road—in the Ikobo group in eastern Walikale on March 22.[5] Wazalendo fighters reportedly withdrew from the area after conducting the attack.[6]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu  

Nothing significant to report.  

Major Political Developments  

Nothing significant to report.  

Significant US-Backed Regional Economic Activity

Nothing significant to report.