Congo War Security Review, March 26, 2025

Data Cutoff: March 26, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Key Takeaway: M23 reinforced its position in Walikale town in western North Kivu and continued to clash with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo militias in several villages near the town. M23 took steps to establish a parallel banking system in M23-occupied areas in the eastern DRC.

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

M23 reinforced its position in Walikale town in western North Kivu and continued to clash with pro-Congolese government Wazalendo militias in several villages near the town. The Congolese media outlet Actualite.cd reported that M23 fighters entered Walikale town on foot and that an unidentified aircraft flew in additional M23 reinforcements from Goma on March 26.[1] The outlet said that the military aircraft presumably operated by M23 has conducted “at least seven rotations” at the town’s airport since M23 took Walikale town on March 19.[2]

The Congolese media outlet Radio Okapi reported that Wazalendo fighters attacked M23 positions in Kampala and Bulambo—located about 5 miles southeast of Walikale town along the RN3—on March 26.[3] Congolese media reported on March 24 that an M23 contingent headed southeast from Walilale along the RN3 toward Itebero, about 23 miles from Walikale town.[4]

 Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

M23 took steps to establish a parallel banking system in M23-occupied areas in the eastern DRC. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka announced that the rebel group appointed officials to establish a new central bank and financial regulatory authority in a March 25 communiqué.[5] The Congolese media outlet Kivu Morning Post reported that the new slate of appointments likely aims to address the deteriorating economic situation in the provincial capitals Bukavu and Goma, where the Congolese government has prohibited banks from providing services to residents in M23-occupied areas.[6]