Third Day of Intense Fighting Between AFC/M23 Rebels and FARDC with Wazalendo Support

WALIKALE March 2, 2026 - Armed clashes persisted for a third consecutive day on Monday, March 2, in Kibati, located in the Luberike group of Walikale territory, North Kivu. The fighting pits the AFC/M23 rebels against the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by local Wazalendo fighters. Following Sunday’s clashes, both sides reportedly share control of the town. Government forces and their Wazalendo allies hold the center of Kibati and two positions previously held by the rebels, while the AFC/M23 maintains two positions along the road to Kashebere, a strategic corridor for troop movements and supply lines. Monday morning saw renewed fighting after rebel reinforcements arrived from Kashebere, with heavy and light weapons fire continuing to echo in the area. The confrontations began on Saturday, February 28, when government forces launched an offensive to regain control of Kibati. The town is considered strategic due to its location along roads connecting multiple key towns in the territory. As clashes continue, insecurity remains high, and local populations face ongoing disruptions to daily life and mobility in this volatile region of North Kivu.