Fighting has once again erupted in the Katana area, near Kavumu Airport, also known as Bukavu Airport following renewed attacks launched by a coalition of forces loyal to the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), This coalition, composed of FARDC, Burundi’s FDNB, FDLR and Wazalendo militias, targeted positions held by AFC/M23, a political-military movement advocating for governance reforms in the DRC.
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According to sources on the ground and eyewitness accounts, the offensive began around 1:00 PM local time and lasted until approximately 3:30 PM. The incursion was reportedly launched from within the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, as government forces advanced into areas under the control of AFC/M23.
Despite being backed by various armed factions including foreign combatants and FDLR rebels the government coalition was decisively pushed back by the AFC/M23 forces, who demonstrated strong defensive coordination and battlefield resilience.
An AFC/M23 spokesperson commented on the outcome of the fighting: “They believed they would overrun us with brute force, but they underestimated our commitment to protecting civilians and preventing the return of chaos to this country. Eleven Wazalendo fighters were killed, many others wounded, and the rest fled, abandoning their weapons.”
Local residents confirmed the intense sound of gunfire, which forced many to flee to safer areas. However, they also pointed out a recurring pattern: whenever the Kinshasa-backed forces launch attacks, they end up retreating in defeat.
Just last week, the same coalition had carried out another failed offensive in Katana. That operation also ended with government forces being repelled by AFC/M23 troops and fleeing into the surrounding forests of Kahuzi-Biega, leaving behind significant military equipment.
In light of these repeated aggressions, AFC/M23 is urging the international community and human rights organizations to investigate violations against civilians committed by Kinshasa’s coalition forces.
“We call on the international community not to ignore the involvement of FDLR and foreign troops fueling instability in Congo and destroying regional peace,” said the M23 spokesperson.
Amid the ongoing conflict in South Kivu, AFC/M23 reaffirms its commitment to peace, reform, and the protection of civilians in territories under its control. The movement continues to position itself as a defender of the people and a force seeking genuine transformation in a country where the central government has repeatedly failed to provide security or development.
