Data Cutoff: April 4, 2025, at 1 P.M. EST

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Key Takeaway: M23 forces continued their retreat from the Walikale district capital in western North Kivu toward Masisi district. A spokesperson for a Congolese opposition coalition criticized a proposed minerals-for-security deal between the DRC and the United States.

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 forces continued to retreat from the Walikale district capital in western North Kivu toward Masisi district. The Congolese media outlet Tazama RDC reported that M23 arrived in Kibua—located 50 miles from Walikale town along the RP529—on April 4.[1] A Congolese journalist had reported on April 3 that pro-Congolese government Wazalendo militias allowed M23 elements to pass through Mutakato, about 13 miles north of Walikale town on the RP529.[2] M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed on social media on April 3 that M23 withdrew from Walikale town to foster goodwill for direct peace negotiations with the DRC scheduled for April 9.[3]

Southwest Axis: Bukavu-Kamituga-Shabunda-Kindu

Nothing significant to report.

Major Political Developments

A spokesperson for a Congolese opposition coalition criticized a proposed minerals-for-security deal between the DRC and the United States. Prince Epenge, spokesperson for the Lamuka coalition—led by former DRC presidential candidate Martyn Fayulu—described the proposed deal as a “sell-off” of the DRC’s resources in exchange for “hypothetical security protection” from the United States during an interview with Congolese media outlet Radio Okapi on April 4.[4] President Trump’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, had announced that US President Donald Trump “agreed on a path forward” for a potential minerals agreement on April 3.[5] Epenge opined that Tshisekedi is seeking security assistance from the United States because he has been unable to execute an adequate defense strategy.[6]

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