M23 Advances to Kabingo and Kamatare
On January 17, 2025, reports indicated that M23(Mouvement du 23-Mars) had advanced to capture Kabingo and Kamatare, located on the border between the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, after retaking Luzirandaka in the Masisi territory, 98 km west of Sake. Additionally, M23 fighters advanced towards the Kalehe territory in South Kivu province, capturing the mining localities of Bihovu and Lumbishi. The FARDC, supported by the Burundian army, capitulated and abandoned the towns of Minova and Kalungu in South Kivu province. Strategically, M23 has a clear view of the city of Goma from the hills overlooking Buzi-Bulenda, opposite Nzulo, in the city of Goma.
The M23 commander met with civil society organizations and OCHA on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Luna Hotel in Minova, South Kivu. Participants included the M23 commander and 26 humanitarian organizations, led by the OCHA head of office. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the humanitarian situation in Minova and actions to improve the security and living conditions of affected populations. During this meeting, various commitments were made, including securing humanitarian actions, suspending movements on Lake Kivu, the upcoming opening of National Road No. 2 to Sake and Goma, restoring electricity and telephone connections in Minova, and the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their areas of origin with the support of humanitarian organizations. Additionally, the M23 commander assured the security of humanitarian workers and their bases, as well as the security of IDP and community property. He authorized humanitarian activities to proceed smoothly and shared his contact number for future communication. Finally, OCHA promised to share the humanitarian meeting schedule.
The meeting allowed for discussions on the main humanitarian challenges in Minova and actions to improve the humanitarian situation. The parties agreed to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of affected populations. The local M23 commander indicated their intention to continue the war throughout the DRC territory and that similar meetings would be held in all entities they would soon liberate.
Discover More
A Fragile Ceasefire in Eastern DRC
Amid ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two nearly identical statements released on April 23, 2025, announced an immediate ceasefire. One was signed in Goma by a member of the rebel group AFC/M23—someone not even officially part of the delegation—and the other was issued by the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
Ituri Under Surveillance
Rising Security Concerns The political fragmentation in eastern DRC continues to threaten the fragile stability of Ituri. The failure of the Doha process and the breakdown of the republican pact could pave the way for a new wave of unrest in the region. On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with leaders of the Lendu militia CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) in Entebbe. Officially, the meeting was convened to address CODECO’s attack on Ugandan military positions in Ituri, a confrontation that adds to past clashes between the group and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Key Figures and Discussions The CODECO delegation, led by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne (Vice President of the Lendu community), included political and militant representatives. On the Ugandan side, top-ranking officials participated: • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, CDF • Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Land Forces Commander • Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division • Brigadier General Oscar Munanura, Deputy Assistant Chief of Intelligence and Security Earlier in the week, CODECO leaders had already engaged with Ugandan military commanders. During the Entebbe meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed gratitude for Uganda’s reception and apologized for the Fataki clashes between CODECO and the UPDF. He claimed the militia had been influenced by external forces and emphasized that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities do not view Uganda as an adversary. Dunji also highlighted Ituri’s worsening humanitarian crisis, attributing it to political divisions, while praising Uganda’s contributions in healthcare, refugee assistance, and economic aid. Uganda’s Expanding Influence in Ituri General Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s historical presence in North Kivu and Ituri, citing counter-insurgency operations dating back to the early 2000s. He urged CODECO leaders to collaborate with the UPDF in pursuit of a lasting peace. As a demonstration of goodwill, Ugandan forces provided free medical care to wounded CODECO fighters. Strategic Implications: A Larger Agenda? While Uganda frames this meeting as a step toward reconciliation, analysts at African Security Analysis suggest a deeper motive. They argue that the gathering was part of a broader effort to integrate CODECO into the militant coalition led by Thomas Lubanga, potentially setting the stage for coordinated offensives in Ituri, particularly targeting Bunia. If confirmed, this would signal a significant shift in the security landscape, with Uganda deepening its influence in Ituri under the guise of conflict resolution. The region remains under scrutiny as stakeholders assess the evolving dynamics.
Contact us to find out how our security services can support you.
We operate in almost all countries in Africa, including high-risk environments, monitoring and analyze ongoing conflicts, the hotspots and the potential upcoming threats on the continent. Every day. Around the clock.