The M23 Movement, which has been shaking the power of the Democratic Republic of Congo for some time, has captured a key area in the Kalehe territory of South Kivu.
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In the late hours of this Wednesday, February 12, 2025, M23 Movement seized the Kalehe zone, located about 64 kilometers from Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu.
This area was taken after intense fighting that lasted for about three days in its surroundings, involving a coalition of government-backed forces and the M23 Movement.
The capture of this strategic area adds to other territories recently seized by M23, including the town of Minova, which was taken at the beginning of January this year.
This newly captured area is only a short distance from the small town of Kavumu, which hosts the main airport in South Kivu. Meanwhile, the Kinshasa government had recently deployed about 60,000 troops to defend the region, including soldiers from Burundi, FDLR, Wazalendo, and the FARDC.
According to information from an M23 Movement, the battle in the Kalehe zone resulted in heavy casualties among Burundian troops.
He stated: “Many Burundians lost their lives in this battle. I didn’t count, but the number of bodies I saw was not less than a hundred.”
The Movement also confirmed that Kalehe is now under M23 control, and he claimed to have personally reached the residence of the local traditional leader.
He said: “As we speak, we are in full control of Kalehe center. I personally reached the Mwami’s residence here in Ihusi.”
Meanwhile, if the Movement continues, the group could soon seize Kavumu, as the area they have captured is not far from it.
