The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes members of the M23 and Twirwaneho movement groups, have captured the area of Pinga in the Walikale territory in North Kivu province in eastern Congo.
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On Thursday, June 5, 2025, these fighters took control of Pinga, which is located a short distance from the Walikale center, currently under government control. Fighters from the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes members of M23 and Twirwaneho groups, took over the Pinga area in Walikale territory in North Kivu province.
According to reports confirmed by MCN from one of the fighters within the AFC/M23 alliance, he said: “We are inside.”
He added: “Pinga is now back in the hands of the ‘Intare zisarambwe’ (Scarred Lions).”
In March 2025, AFC/M23 had captured this area but withdrew to give priority to the ongoing talks between the two parties (the Kinshasa government and the alliance) held in Doha, Qatar.
These talks, according to reports, have been taking place over the last 30 days, but both parties withdrew earlier this week without any agreement.
Pinga was recaptured after M23 movement announced in the past three days their intention to retake it, because the Congolese army forces occupying it had lost the fighters who controlled it, and were using it to launch attacks against the M23 in areas like Masisi and others.
It was also reported on Wednesday that the fighters continued to regroup near Pinga, moving from other parts of Masisi territory, which borders Walikale, and headed toward areas close to Pinga.
The battle to take Pinga, reports say, was not difficult for this group because the government soldiers fled immediately upon fighting, allowing the fighters to enter the area.
However, the government forces who were pushed out are not far, as they are still positioned in nearby areas.
This means the two sides remain in close proximity, and the AFC/M23 movement might continue expanding their strongholds.
