Congo War Security Review

Data Cutoff: March 27, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Key Takeaway: The Congolese army (FARDC) and allied Wazalendo militia fighters continued their counteroffensive against M23 in Walikale town and the surrounding area in western North Kivu. DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Angolan President João Lourenço agree to “maintain dialogue” during meeting in Luanda. FARDC and Wazalendo attacked M23-controlled town on the Rwandan border.

Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni-Bunia

Nothing significant to report.

Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka-Kalemie

Independent  Congolese journalist Byobe Malenga reported that FARDC and pro-Congolese government Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 in Kamanyola near the border between the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi in South Kivu on March 27.[1] Malenga said that the pro-Congolese government forces launched the attack from a mountainous area that overlooks the village.[2] Kamanyola is the southernmost town along the DRC-Rwanda border and M23’s southernmost controlled town along the RN5.[3]

Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu-Kisangani

The Congolese army (FARDC) and allied Wazalendo militia fighters continued their counteroffensive against M23 in Walikale town and the surrounding area in western North Kivu. Congolese media reported on March 26 that pro-Congolese government militia fighters advanced 10 miles south along the RP529 to Nyamianda—located about 4 miles from Walikale town.[4] The Congolese media outlet Tazama RDC reported that M23 retreated to Mubanda, which is about three miles north of Walikale town.[5] FARDC and Wazalendo have advanced 14 miles southwest toward Walikale since March 24 and now control the RP529 in between Nyamianda and Kashebere—about 73 miles northeast—according to Tazama RDC.[6]

FARDC has attempted to deny M23’s ability to reinforce the area by air. FARDC conducted airstrikes on Walikale town’s airport that disabled an M23-operated military aircraft on March 27.[7] Congolese media reported that M23 had been using the aircraft to deploy additional troops from Goma since M23 captured Walikale town on March 19.[8] Congolese media reported on March 26 that the poor quality of roads near Walikale has likely forced M23 to resupply and redeploy its forces in the area, primarily using the airport.[9] Isolated and unconfirmed reports from a pro-Congolese government journalist had said on March 26 that M23 installed anti-aircraft jammers in Walikale town.[10]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Angolan President João Lourenço met for a closed-door meeting in Luanda where they reportedly agreed to “maintain regular dialogue and consultations” on March 26.[11] Lourenço announced on March 24 that Angola would step down as a peace mediator for the conflict in the eastern DRC after direct DRC-M23 negotiations collapsed.[12] French media reported that Angola’s decision to step down likely resulted from the collapse of DRC-M23 talks and consent from the DRC and Rwanda to involve a non-African nation in peace negotiations after Qatar brokered a ceasefire between the DRC and Rwanda on March 18.[13] Angola said it was “surprised” after the announcement of the Qatar-mediated agreement, and the French investigative outlet Africa Intelligence reported on March 27 that recent diplomatic events have caused discord between Tshisekedi and Lourenço.[14]