FARDC Drones Strike AFC/M23 Position in Kikuku

Rutshuru, North Kivu, January 23, 2026 - Military pressure on AFC/M23 rebels is intensifying in North Kivu. Following airstrikes in Buleusa, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) targeted another rebel position in Kikuku, located in the Bwito chiefdom, Rutshuru territory. Shortly after 2 p.m., a FARDC drone carried out a precision strike near the administrative office of the Bwito chiefdom, destroying the rebel position completely, according to local sources. Residents reported loud explosions, thick black smoke, and widespread panic. No official figures have been released regarding casualties. However, the attack reportedly caused significant material damage, including the total destruction of the rebel camp. Observers note that the FARDC’s increased use of drones marks a new stage in operations, aimed at weakening rebel capacities and reducing their ability to carry out attacks in the region. Despite this military pressure, tension remains high in Kikuku, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the ongoing insecurity in eastern DRC. Conclusion The reporting period from January 12 to 24, 2026, depicts a Democratic Republic of Congo at a critical crossroads, defined by a complex interplay of persistent conflict, intensive diplomacy, and strategic economic shifts. While high-level mediation through the Washington and Doha processes continues, the security situation in the east remains volatile, marked by shifting rebel positions, humanitarian distress for hundreds of thousands of displaced persons, and a growing reliance on drone technology in military operations. Concurrently, the government is asserting greater economic sovereignty, particularly in the mining sector, and pursuing ambitious internal infrastructure projects despite facing significant domestic political opposition and international legal challenges. Ultimately, the path toward lasting stability appears to hinge on the successful operationalization of regional monitoring mechanisms and the realization of a truly inclusive national dialogue Overviews :

1. Diplomatic & Political Overview: A Region at a Crossroads The DRC is currently navigating a period of intense but stalled diplomacy. While multiple peace frameworks exist-specifically the Washington and Doha processes-there is a palpable lack of trust between Kinshasa and Kigali. The "Lomé Momentum": Togo has emerged as a key African mediator, hosting high-level sessions to harmonize these disparate peace initiatives. Domestic Political Tension: Internally, the government faces a fractured landscape. The exile of figures like Seth Kikuni and the arrest of others like Aubin Minaku signal a deepening rift between the current administration and the opposition. The Call for Dialogue: International partners, including Belgium’s King Philippe, are increasingly pushing for an "inclusive national dialogue" to address the root causes of instability.
2. Security Overview: Technological Shifts and Precarious Ceasefires The security landscape in eastern DRC remains volatile, characterized by a "frozen conflict" that frequently thaws into violence. Drone Warfare: A notable shift in FARDC tactics is the increased use of precision drone strikes to target AFC/M23 positions, as seen in Buleusa and Kikuku. The Uvira Vacuum: The AFC/M23’s tactical withdrawal from Uvira has created a complex security environment, with the rebels officially placing the city under "international responsibility" while the government views the move as a strategy to deflect international pressure. Reinforcements vs. Retreats: While rebels withdrew from some areas, they simultaneously reinforced positions in others, such as Masisi, indicating they are preparing for potential counter-offensives.
3. Economic & Technical Overview: Asserting Sovereignty Kinshasa is actively seeking to reclaim control over its national resources and public systems, though this has led to significant legal and logistical friction. Resource Nationalism: Gécamines’ decision to directly purchase 100,000 tons of copper from the Tenke Fungurume Mine for the US market is a landmark move to assert state sovereignty over metal pricing and marketing. Infrastructure Struggles: Efforts to rehabilitate vital infrastructure, such as the Bandundu and Kikwit airports, have been plagued by technical failures and contract terminations, highlighting the challenges of internal development. Legal Battles: The $4 billion lawsuit by PayServices underscores the risks and complexities the DRC faces as it attempts to modernize and digitize its state payment systems.
4. Humanitarian Overview: A Growing Regional Crisis The human cost of the conflict has reached a "devastating human tragedy," as described by government officials. Mass Displacement: Over 200,000 Congolese refugees are now in Burundi alone, with transit centers operating at 200% capacity. Medical System Collapse: Frontline health facilities in zones like Fizi and Walikale are overwhelmed by gunshot victims and suffering from acute shortages of medicine and nutritional products. Conservation at Risk: Even conservation efforts are caught in the crossfire; while Virunga National Park recorded a rare mountain gorilla birth, the park remains under threat from the ongoing presence of armed groups. By Glad MUSEMA Jeff Buleli