Simultaneous AFC/M23 Attacks Repelled in Buma, Mpombi, and Iteya

Walikale, January 14, 2026 -AFC/M23 rebels launched coordinated attacks on Tuesday afternoon, January 13, targeting the villages of Buma, Mpombi, and Iteya in the Kisimba group, Walikale territory, North Kivu. After nearly three hours of fighting, the attackers were repelled by the Wazalendo, forcing the rebels to withdraw toward Mpety, in the Banakindi area, according to sources on the ground. The human toll from the clashes has not yet been established. However, the fighting triggered a mass displacement of residents into surrounding bush areas. Local administrative authorities report that displaced families began gradually returning to their villages on Wednesday. As of now, Buma, Mpombi, and Iteya remain under Wazalendo control, while the security situation in the area remains fragile.