Contributor: Liam Karr
Data Cutoff: February 19, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST
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The Congo War Security Review is a daily review of activity related to the war in the eastern DRC between M23 and its Rwandan backers and pro-Congolese government forces. Map shapefiles are available by request via email at criticalthreats.aei.org.
Key Takeaway: M23 rapidly advanced in the face of retreating Congolese forces toward Uvira, a commercial hub on Lake Tanganyika and the second-largest city in South Kivu. M23 also made gains towards Lubero, a district capital in North Kivu along the road to the major commercial city Butembo.
Source: Liam Karr; Nick Markiewicz and Yale Ford.
Northern Axis: Lubero-Butembo-Beni
M23 captured the town of Kitsombiro in Lubero territory, located about 15 miles south of Lubero town.[1] Lubero town is the last military stronghold before the city of Butembo, an important commercial center located about 28 miles north of Lubero town via the RN2.[2] A Congolese army (FARDC) spokesperson reported that FARDC sent reinforcements from the city of Beni to reinforce Lubero town. The rebels also clashed with Congolese forces (FARDC) two miles southeast of Kitsombiro in the village of Lubango/Lobango.[3]
Source: Liam Karr; Nick Markiewicz and Yale Ford.
Southern Axis: Bukavu-Uvira-Baraka
M23 forces arrived in the village of Sange, located about 22 miles north of the town of Uvira, after traveling south from Bukavu via the RN5.[4] The FARDC retreated from Uvira earlier on February 19 and headed to the major trading city of Kalemie, capital of the Tanganyika province, which is about 240 miles south of Uvira via the RN5.[5] Most residents have fled from Uvira into neighboring Burundi. Pro-DRC Wazalendo militias have remained in Uvira to defend the town.[6]
Source: Liam Karr; Nick Markiewicz and Yale Ford.
Northwest Axis: Masisi-Walikale-Lubutu
Nothing significant to report.
Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamitunga-Shabunda
Nothing significant to report.
[1] https://actualite.cd/2025/02/19/rdc-situee-au-moins-30-km-de-lubero-centre-la-localite-de-kitsombiro-passe-sous-controle; https://www.radiookapi.net/2025/02/19/actualite/securite/fardc-m23-les-villages-kitsombiro-et-katondi-vides-de-leurs; https://x.com/afcongo/status/1892177732894613758
[2] https://actualite.cd/2025/02/19/rdc-situee-au-moins-30-km-de-lubero-centre-la-localite-de-kitsombiro-passe-sous-controle
[3] https://actualite.cd/2025/02/19/rdc-situee-au-moins-30-km-de-lubero-centre-la-localite-de-kitsombiro-passe-sous-controle
[4] https://actualite.cd/2025/02/19/rdc-les-rebelles-de-lafcm23-sont-arrives-sange-dans-la-plaine-de-la-ruzizi
https://x.com/wembi_steve/status/1892268703145722267
[5] https://actualite.cd/2025/02/19/affrontements-fardc-wazalendo-uvira-une-dizaine-de-morts-signales-la-ville-plongee-dans; https://x.com/wembi_steve/status/1892178593003806974
[6] https://www.unhcr.org/in/news/briefing-notes/thousands-arrive-burundi-within-days-fleeing-rising-tension-and-violence; https://actualite.cd/2025/02/19/affrontements-fardc-wazalendo-uvira-une-dizaine-de-morts-signales-la-ville-plongee-dans