The M23 rebel group, engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and its allies, has pushed further into Mwenga Territory in South Kivu province.
On the evening of March 3, 2025, M23 fighters entered Mwenga after intense clashes with the Wazalendo armed coalition.
A local resident described the situation: “Since last evening, AFC/M23 fighters have been spotted in Kilungutwe. The Wazalendo forces previously stationed there have withdrawn. The fighting began in Bwahungu earlier in the day, spreading to an area known as ‘Mise en Garde’ before reaching the Tibimbi groupement.”
According to the resident, M23 forces continued advancing toward the Mufa area, crossed the Kadubo River—which separates Mwenga from Walungu Territory—and entered the villages of Muduwe, Kilungutwe, and Kalama.
M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, claimed on March 3 that Congolese government forces and allied militias had attacked villages inhabited by the Banyamulenge community in Mwenga, Fizi, and Itombwe.
“Refugee camps have been set on fire, civilians are being killed, and villages are being destroyed. These atrocities must end,” Kanyuka stated.
M23 had previously warned that it would take action to protect the Banyamulenge community, which it says has been targeted by government forces and militias in Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga.
Meanwhile, the Twirwaneho militia, which defends the Banyamulenge in South Kivu, recently expressed its willingness to form an alliance with M23 to protect civilians facing ongoing violence.
At present, M23 fighters have established a presence in six of South Kivu’s eight territories: Kalehe, Kabare, Walungu, Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga.
