North Kivu: M23 Rebels Launch Offensive to Retake Katoyi

Masisi, North Kivu, DRC - January 2, 2026 AFC/M23 rebels launched an offensive early Friday morning in an attempt to regain control of the town of Katoyi, the main town of the sector of the same name in Masisi territory. Local sources confirm that the rebels are seeking to reclaim territory they lost at the end of December 2025. According to reports, the attack targets four positions held by fighters from the Congolese Patriotic Resistance Group (PARECO), an ally of the FARDC. Fighting is concentrated in the village of Kasheke (Nyamaboko 1 group, Osso Banyungu sector), located approximately 7 km from Katoyi town center. Gunfire was also reported in surrounding villages, including Busurirwa (Ufamandu 1 group), Myole (Mufunyi Kibabi group, Bahunde chiefdom), and Muhairwa (Kibabi 2 group, Katoyi sector). This marks the second attempt by M23 to retake Katoyi, following an earlier assault last Tuesday. On December 29, 2025, Wazalendo fighters from PARECO/Strike Force recaptured Katoyi and neighboring villages-including Mitimingi, Kahundu, Kasheke, and Kakoka-after intense clashes that left several dead on both sides and resulted in the capture of 28 M23 fighters and 12 weapons, according to military sources. The town of Katoyi has switched hands multiple times since mid-November 2025, reflecting the ongoing volatility in the Masisi sector and the persistence of M23’s attempts to regain strategic control.