As fighting intensifies between AFC/M23 troops and armed groups like the Wazalendo, the M23 coalition continues to expand its control in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Latest reports from the Uvira region indicate that Karushwa, an area along the road to Uvira, has fallen under the coalition’s control, with operations to take over South Kivu still ongoing.
This development comes after fierce battles on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, near the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, in the Kabare Territory.
The clashes occurred between AFC/M23 forces and Wazalendo militias, who were attempting to prevent M23 from advancing further into the park. During the confrontation, M23 captured Kabushwa, a village located in the Irhambi Katana Grouping, following a swift assault on Wazalendo positions.
Residents of Kabushwa began fleeing out of fear of being caught in the crossfire, heading to relatively safer areas such as Kalehe and the city of Bukavu. According to Radio Okapi, the population remains in fear and uncertainty about whether the conflict will spread to other areas.
This marks the first time AFC/M23 has confronted Wazalendo in the Kabare region since it declared its intentions to expand operations into South Kivu back in February.
Information from both local residents and security personnel suggests that after hours of heavy fighting, Wazalendo forces retreated, leaving Kabushwa under the control of AFC/M23.
This area now adds to the growing list of territories already controlled by the coalition, which opposes the government of President Félix Tshisekedi.
Beyond civilians, individuals illegally exploiting the natural resources in Kahuzi-Biega Park, including mineral miners and charcoal traders, also fled the region.
Reports indicate they dispersed to different areas, with some heading to the mountains of Kalehe and others moving deeper into the park, where they claim the fighting hasn’t reached.
Although the Congolese government has announced plans to deploy additional troops to South Kivu, local residents continue to plead for international intervention to restore peace and security. With clashes still ongoing, AFC/M23 may reach Uvira in the coming days.
