On October 6, 2025, rebels from the M23 movement, which is fighting the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), captured the villages of Luke and Mulema in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, from the pro-government Wazalendo militia.
The takeover followed intense clashes that began Monday morning in Luke as the M23 rebels sought to reclaim the area they lost last month.
A Luke resident told reporters that the fighting erupted as villagers were preparing to farm, forcing them to flee for safety. “We had no place to go,” the resident said. “This morning, we heard the sound of mortars that’s how it started. It was M23 fighting against the Wazalendo.”
After being overpowered, Wazalendo forces reportedly retreated southward to Ngululu, only to lose Mulema shortly afterward. Both villages are located within the Nyamaboko I groupement.
On the same day, heavy fighting was also reported in Kazinga, near the border between Masisi and Walikale territories, as well as in Kibandamangobo Forest, located in Shabunda Territory of South Kivu Province.
In Shabunda, the clashes pitted M23 rebels against Wazalendo fighters allied with the Congolese army (FARDC). Pro-government supporters have expressed growing concern that the trading centers of Shabunda and Mwenga could also fall under M23 control if the fighting continues.
This escalation comes as Qatar intensifies its efforts to mediate talks between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 coalition based on the peace framework signed on July 29, 2025.
Delegations from the DRC and the AFC/M23 coalition are expected to travel to Qatar this week to discuss implementation measures, including the release of detainees and other confidence-building steps.
Author Justinmind HARERIMANA
