Security - 8 February 2026
New Clashes Between AFC/M23 and Wazalendo in Bukumbirwa (Walikale)
Bukumbirwa, February 3, 2026 - Violent clashes erupted early Tuesday morning, February 3, between AFC/M23 rebels and Wazalendo from the NDC-Rénové group in Bukumbirwa, located in the Ikobo area of Walikale territory, North Kivu.
The Wazalendo launched an attack on AFC/M23 positions around 4:00 a.m., causing widespread panic among residents.
The sounds of heavy and light weapons fire continued for several hours, forcing locals to remain indoors.
After approximately three hours of fighting, the Wazalendo retreated into the bush, leaving Bukumbirwa under rebel control. The toll from these clashes is not yet known.
Socio-economic activities have tentatively resumed, according to local sources. Several witnesses report a strengthening of AFC/M23 positions in Bukumbirwa and Rusamambu, with reinforcements from Buleusa reportedly arriving in these towns on Tuesday morning.
Related reading
Security - 31 August 2026
DRC And Congo-Brazzaville Move To De-Escalate Congo River Border Clash
Kinshasa, August 31, 2026 - The DRC and Congo-Brazzaville moved to contain tensions after a fatal August 28 clash between FARDC troops and Congo-Brazzaville forces on the Congo River between Yumbi and Makotimpoko.
By Amina Kabasele - 3 min read
Security - 31 August 2026
Walikale Villages Empty As Fighting Spreads In Eastern DRC
Goma, August 31, 2026 - Multiple villages in the Waloa Loanda groupement of Walikale were emptied as fighting between the army and AFC/M23 forces spread from nearby Masisi and Kalehe zones, deepening humanitarian…
By Amina Kabasele - 3 min read
Security - 31 August 2026
Government Says Army Is Blocking AFC/M23 Expansion In Kivu
Kinshasa, August 31, 2026 - The government said the FARDC was systematically foiling AFC/M23 attempts to occupy additional territory in the Kivus, as fighting continued on multiple fronts.
By Amina Kabasele - 3 min read