Overview:
M23/AFC claims it is fighting corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within DR Congo’s political leadership. In 2025, the group launched a rapid offensive across eastern Congo, capturing several key towns and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Non-stop fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and its coalition forces and the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) has entered its sixth day in Minembwe and the surrounding areas of North and South Kivu provinces.
The clashes began last week in villages including Miruta, Ngololo, Kanyatsi, Samaria, and Mushebere in the Katoyi sector, as well as the Bahunde chiefdom. Fighting has also spread to neighboring areas in Fizi, the High Plateaus, and Kasenyi, Chugi, and Kinigi in the Bahunde chiefdom (Masisi territory), near the mining town of Rubaya. Both sides have accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements.
The latest ceasefire, scheduled to take effect on February 18, 2026, at midday, has repeatedly been ignored, with gunfire continuing across the region. On Monday, heavy fighting was reported in Rumbishi, Gasovu, Nkokwe, Gatoyi, Minembwe, and surrounding areas, causing mass displacement of civilians. Lawrence Kanyuka, M23/AFC spokesperson, confirmed the renewed clashes, alleging that FARDC and its coalition forces are using kamikaze drones and bombing civilian areas.
According to Kanyuka, Monday’s bombardment in Rumbishi killed one civilian, Safi Semakoma, and injured Dieme Mudahakana, Muhawe Evariste, and several others. “Since 01:45 a.m. this Monday, February 23, 2026, the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime have carried out relentless bombardment of densely populated areas of Rumbishi. This offensive has caused civilian deaths, injuries, and forced displacements. The operation, supported by elements of the Burundian armed forces, deliberately targets inhabited areas and has created a severe humanitarian crisis,” Kanyuka said.
As of Monday evening, FARDC had not issued an official response. Sources indicate the army is trying to regain control of Kavumu Airport and the Rubaya coltan mining site, currently under M23/AFC control. The repeated ceasefire violations have dimmed hopes for a swift resolution to the insurgency. Since its resurgence in 2022 under Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, M23 has remained active in eastern DR Congo.
The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of backing M23, allegations denied by both Kigali and the rebels. M23/AFC claims it is fighting corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within DR Congo’s political leadership. In 2025, the group launched a rapid offensive across eastern Congo, capturing several key towns and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
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