Congo War Security Review

Data Cutoff: April 3, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Key Takeaway: Pro-Congolese government forces retook control of the Walikale district capital in western North Kivu after M23 forces unilaterally withdrew. US Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos announced that the United States is open to negotiations with the DRC on a minerals-for-security deal. Wazalendo militia fighters intensified attacks on M23 in an attempt to recapture Masisi’s district capital in southern North Kivu.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Nothing significant to report.

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

Pro-Congolese government forces retook control of the Walikale district capital in western North Kivu after M23 forces unilaterally withdrew. M23 forces retreated from Walikale town and the Congolese army (FARDC) and pro-Congolese government Wazalendo militias reclaimed control of the town and its key infrastructure points on April 2.[1] A Congolese journalist reported on social media on April 3 that M23 had withdrawn at least 13 miles north from Walikale town on the RP529 road.[2] M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed on social media on April 3 that M23 withdrew from Walikale town to foster goodwill for peace negotiations.[3] The rebel group had said it would unilaterally withdraw from Walikale town on March 22 but retained control of the town after accusing FARDC of violating a temporary ceasefire agreement.[4] Wazalendo militia fighters launched an offensive to isolate and recapture the town shortly after M23’s announcement in late March.[5]

Wazalendo militia fighters intensified attacks on M23 in an attempt to recapture Masisi’s district capital in southern North Kivu. Wazalendo militias launched several attacks on M23 positions in Masisi town and the surrounding area on April 3.[6] Independent Congolese journalist Byobe Malenga claimed on social media on April 3 that Wazalendo fighters recaptured Masisi town, but it remains unclear if pro-Congolese government forces dislodged M23 from the area.[7] The Congolese media outlet Radio Okapi reported on April 3 that M23 launched a counteroffensive from Nyabiondo toward Masisi town in an attempt to pinch Wazalendo fighters in Masisi town and the surrounding area.[8] M23 had captured Masisi town in early January, and Wazalendo militia fighters have regularly clashed with M23 in Masisi district after pro-Congolese government forces began launching intermittent attacks near Masisi town in early March.[9]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

President Trump’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, announced that the United States is open to negotiations with the DRC on a minerals-for-security deal. Boulos met with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa on April 3 and said that US President Donald Trump “agreed on a path forward” for a potential minerals agreement.[10] The Congolese foreign minister had told Bloomberg that US-DRC negotiations on the deal were “in their early stages” in late March.[11] French media previously reported on multiple occasions that senior Trump administration officials were skeptical about a minerals deal with the DRC.[12]