Katoy Falls to AFC/M23 Amid Escalating Clashes

MASISI March 2, 2026 - The AFC/M23 rebels have seized control of Katoy, the main town of the Katoy sector in southern Masisi, following intense clashes with the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), supported by the Wazalendo militia. According to local security sources, the offensive began early Sunday morning when the rebels attacked FARDC positions. Heavy exchanges of fire continued throughout the day, and by early evening, the town had fallen entirely under rebel control, marking a significant setback for government forces in this strategic area of southern Masisi. The capture of Katoy has triggered a wave of population displacement. Residents, primarily women and children, fled to the bush and neighboring villages, abandoning homes and belongings. Many spent the night outdoors, exposed to harsh conditions and without immediate humanitarian aid, local sources reported. This development underscores the ongoing volatility in southern Masisi, where positions continue to shift between the AFC/M23 and government forces. The resurgence of fighting in the region has further deepened the humanitarian crisis, compounding insecurity and instability for civilians in North Kivu.