The M23 movement group, which opposes the government in Kinshasa, has entered the Mwenga territory and captured some key areas there after previously taking control of Walungu in South Kivu.
Today, the M23 forces seized the areas of Kitutu, Kurungutu, and Kalama, following their recent capture of these locations on March 3, 2025. All these areas are located in the Mwenga territory.
Kitutu, one of the seized areas, is known for its rich natural resources and hosts a major market where cattle and other essential goods are traded.
The M23 movement entered Mwenga, a territory with several hills reaching Mulenge, an area inhabited by the Banyamulenge, after having taken key locations in Walungu and its central area.
Yesterday, they captured the chiefdom of Ngweshi and surrounding areas, including Tubimbi and Mudubwe, in the Walungu territory.
M23’s capture of Kitutu brings them closer to Mikenke, an area with a large Banyamulenge population. Just yesterday, heavy fighting erupted there as the Banyamulenge were attacked by Burundian forces, FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo), FDLR, and Wazalendo.
Reports indicate that these attacks were intense, but the Twirwaneho militia defeated these forces fighting on behalf of the Congolese government, forcing them to retreat to Rwitsankuku.
However, the Burundian forces reportedly burned many Banyamulenge houses in the Mikenke area before retreating.
It should be noted that Mikenke is also located in the Mwenga territory, where the M23 has already established a presence and taken control of some parts.
