AFC/M23 Rebels Reoccupy Malemo Village in Masisi

Masisi, North Kivu March 17, 2026 - The village of Malemo, located between Kalembe and Mpety in the Pinga area, has once again fallen under the control of AFC/M23 rebels, following the withdrawal of Wazalendo forces. The Wazalendo had retaken Malemo on March 14 after fierce clashes with the rebels, but their presence lasted only three days. On the morning of March 17, the Wazalendo voluntarily withdrew, allowing the AFC/M23 rebels to reoccupy the village without resistance. The reasons for the withdrawal remain unclear, though sources indicate that the rebels, previously positioned in Mpety and Kalembe, took advantage of the situation to return to Malemo. The security situation around Pinga remains highly volatile, with frequent clashes and shifting positions between AFC/M23 rebels and government forces supported by Wazalendo, leaving the civilian population exposed to continued insecurity.