Second Day of Intense Clashes Between AFC/M23 and Wazalendo in Kibanda

MASISI, North Kivu February 26, 2026 - Fighting continued for a second consecutive day on Thursday, February 26, in the village of Kibanda, near Kasopo in the Osso Banyungu sector of Masisi territory. The Wazalendo militia launched an offensive on Wednesday against AFC/M23 positions, aiming to regain control of this strategic town, which has been under rebel occupation for several months. Since Thursday morning, the sounds of heavy and light weapons fire have reverberated throughout Kibanda and surrounding villages, creating widespread fear among civilians. Residents, already suffering from persistent insecurity in Masisi territory, are attempting to flee to safer areas, while panic spreads to neighboring towns, halting socio-economic activities. At this stage, no official casualty figures have been released. Sources report an extremely volatile situation, with ongoing fighting and reinforcements reported on both sides. Masisi territory continues to be one of the epicenters of armed violence in North Kivu, where recurring clashes between local armed groups and AFC/M23 rebels are worsening the already critical humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.