Congo War Security Review

Data Cutoff: February 20, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Key Takeaway: M23 is attempting to flank Congolese positions after the Congolese army (FARDC) launched limited counterattacks south of the district capital, Lubero, in northern North Kivu province in the eastern DRC. FARDC troops clashed with pro-DRC militia fighters in Uvira town in South Kivu as FARDC troops fled to Burundi and further south on Lake Tanganyika. M23 captured a village in the Walikale district in western North Kivu that is located near a gateway town to Maniema and Tshopo provinces.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

The Congolese army (FARDC) launched a combined air and ground counterattack to push M23 militants roughly 3 miles south from Katondi to Kitsombiro town in the Lubero district but failed to dislodge the rebels from Kitsombiro on February 19.[1] Kitsombiro lies 15 miles south of Lubero town. that M23 units were flanking FARDC defensive positions north of Kitsombiro in several villages 2 to 16 miles east of Kitsombiro and bypassing Lubero entirely on the way to Butembo on February 20.[2] Butembo is 23 miles from Lubero and a major commercial and logistics hub in North Kivu with a population of 150,000.[3]

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

FARDC soldiers clashed with pro-Congolese government militia fighters in Uvira town on Lake Tanganyika on February 20.[4] Militia fighters reportedly tried to stop an unknown number of FARDC soldiers fleeing with valuable military equipment to Burundi and further south in the eastern DRC towards the towns of Kalemie and Moba on Lake Tanganyika.[5] Local media reported that Congolese militia fighters control several neighborhoods in Uvira and are looting local businesses and homes.[6]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

M23 clashed with pro-Congolese government forces and captured the town of Rusamambu on February 20 in the Walikale district of western North Kivu.[7] Rusamambu is roughly 20 miles from Pinga, a garrison town in the adjacent Masisi district that provides an entry point into Maniema and Tshopo provinces.[8] M23 has maintained pressure around Pinga since October 2024.[9] Congolese media reported that civilians from Walikale district have fled from M23’s advance in the area towards Lubutu district in northern Maniema province in recent days.[10]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamitunga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.