Congo War Security Review

Data Cutoff: April 25, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Key Takeaway: Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo militia fighters continued to put pressure on M23 near the Masisi district capital. The Congolese army (FARDC) and Wazalendo fighters reportedly clashed in Uvira town for the second straight day. M23 clashed with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters near the RN2 road in Kabare district in northern South Kivu.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

M23 clashed with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters near the RN2 road in Kabare district in northern South Kivu. Congolese journalist Yassin Kombi reported on social media that M23 attacked Wazalendo fighters in at least three villages near the Kahuzi-Biega National Park.[1] CTP is unable to verify the location of the villages. Pro-Congolese government Wazalendo militia fighters launched an offensive on M23 positions in the area since April 12 and recaptured several villages on the RN2 after M23 withdrew on April 20.[2]

The Congolese army (FARDC) and Wazalendo fighters clashed in Uvira town for the second straight day. FARDC and Wazalendo fighters reportedly clashed in the Rugenge neighborhood in Uvira town and on the surrounding hills on April 25.[3] Congolese media reported that FARDC attempted to reposition its forces around Uvira and in the Fizi highlands to “ensure maximum protection” of the town.[4] Wazalendo fighters reportedly disagreed with FARDC’s repositioning and even accused at least one FARDC unit of “collaborating with the rebels” in the Fizi highlands.[5]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

Wazalendo fighters continued to put pressure on M23 near the Masisi district capital. The Congolese news outlet Actualite.cd reported that Wazalendo fighters recaptured Kasopo village near the RP529 road from M23 on April 25.[6] Actualite.cd reported on April 25 that the Wazalendo fighters pushed M23 back from Kasopo roughly three miles east to Kaandja, which is about 2 miles from Nyabiondo on the RP529.[7] Actualite.cd reported on April 25 that Wazalendos also recaptured Kibati—roughly 21 miles west of Nyabiondo on the RP529 road—on April 25 from M23 who began retreating six miles east toward Kashebere.[8] Congolese media reported that Wazalendo fighters also clashed with M23 in several villages north of Nyabiondo, including Kinyumba—about two miles north of Nyabiondo on a local road.[9]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

Nothing significant to report.