M23 Rebels takes full control of Walikale in DRC
March 19, 2025, at approximately 1500 hours, the M23-AFC has successfully seized control of the mining city of KILAMBO, the administrative centre of the Walikale Territory, which serves as the main aerial evacuation hub for all mining operations in the region. This hub is critical for mineral exports from Walikale, following the Pinga-Goma route and extending beyond the province to Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, the most influential nations within the East African Community (EAC).
This strategic offensive followed three days of intense and sustained firepower against FARDC forces and allied units across eight key strongholds:
- MPOFI
- KIGOMA
- MUVUNGI
- KALILENGE
- MUTAKATO
- ITEBERO
- NGORA
- MUBANDA
The Walikale Territory has the second-largest reserve of rare minerals in the region, ranking just behind Lualaba Province in Grand Katanga. It contains vast deposits of:
- Coltan
- Pyrochlore
- Lithium
- Uranium
- Tin
- Cassiterite
- Orlpham
- Cobalt
- Gold
- Tantalum
- Tungsten
- Tourmaline
M23-AFC's Current Defensive Zones
Simultaneously, M23-AFC has established three active "Defence Zones", each under the command of Brigadier Generals, all of whom are currently sanctioned by the European Union and the United Nations:
- Southern Defence Zone: Covers territories already seized in South Kivu, as well as targets designated for future operations in the deep south. Commanded by Brigadier General Byamungu Maheshe (alias "Taiga-1").
- Northern Defence Zone: Covers a vast portion of North Kivu, including Goma, Masisi, Rutshuru, and Lubero. Commanded by Brigadier General Baudouin Ngaruye Wa Nyamuro.
- Northwestern Defence Zone: Currently being expanded into Walikale, with an objective to advance towards Kisangani. Commanded by Brigadier General Justin Gacheri Musanga (alias "Bravo-3").
M23-AFC's Tactical Approach
According to intelligence gathered by Africa Security Analysis, the M23-AFC operates a specialized electronic warfare unit equipped with four advanced drone systems not available in the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) inventory. These drones play a critical role in pre-offensive operations:
- Reconnaissance Drone (Detection)
- Surveillance Drone (Recording)
- Electronic Warfare Drone (Jamming)
- Combat Drone (Mass Destruction)
Beyond electronic warfare capabilities, M23-AFC's assault doctrine relies on overwhelming firepower, deploying:
- A PKM machine gun section for sustained suppressive fire.
- An RPG-7 anti-tank section for engaging enemy fortifications and armoured targets.
- A mortar detachment (60mm, 81mm, 82mm, or 120-122mm calibres) for preparing assault routes and neutralizing enemy defensive positions.
Impact on FARDC and Civilian Population
The FARDC and its allied forces have struggled to withstand these coordinated assaults, leading to significant territorial losses and triggering large-scale civilian displacement.
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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.
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