Colonel Alexis Rugabisha Killed in Battle as M23 Advances in South Kivu
Colonel Alexis Rugabisha, a senior officer in the Congolese army (FARDC) under the Kinshasa government, was killed in combat amid ongoing clashes between the army and the M23 movement in South Kivu, according to reports.
On January 31, 2025, Colonel Rugabisha was fatally shot during intense fighting in Nyabibwe, a locality in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu province. The battle also resulted in M23 gaining control over several areas, including Mukwindja, Kinyenzire, and Luhwa.
M23 has recently extended its operations into South Kivu ahead of its advance towards Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu. Before this, the group had already captured Minova, a key center in Kalehe Territory, and taken control of Buragiza airstrip, located on the outskirts of Minova.
Reports indicate that Colonel Rugabisha was initially evacuated to Bukavu while still alive but later succumbed to his injuries. Other sources claim he was shot on the morning of Saturday and died on the spot, with his body subsequently transported to Bukavu.
Rugabisha was known to be a close associate of Lieutenant General Pacifique Masunzu, the commander of the FARDC’s 3rd Military Zone, who is currently stationed in Bukavu and leading government forces in this conflict.
Meanwhile, heavy clashes between M23 and the coalition of pro-government forces continue, with M23 steadily advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
