Walikale Front Shifts As AFC/M23 And Wazalendo Clash

Walikale, August 13, 2026 - Fighting between the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 and Wazalendo forces kept parts of Walikale territory in North Kivu highly volatile during the first half of August, with control shifting around Buleusa, Ihula, Misambo and Kazuba.

Buleusa was looted on the night of August 2-3 after clashes between AFC/M23 and Wazalendo fighters. Pharmacies, shops and homes were targeted, with no fatalities reported. AFC/M23 later said it had taken control of the town in what it described as a self-defense operation.

On August 6, AFC/M23 fighters advanced from Ihula against Wazalendo positions at Rushihe Banamulindwa Kisimba. A fragile calm followed on August 7, although Wazalendo claimed it had pushed AFC/M23 back toward Ihula. Clashes continued on August 8 at Misambo Kisimba, where Wazalendo said it retained control, while casualty figures remained unverified.

The front shifted again on August 10, when AFC/M23 units from Ihula fought CMC Wazalendo forces, prompting civilians to flee into the bush. On August 12, Wazalendo launched an offensive around Kazuba Banansuka Kisimba, dislodging AFC/M23 positions and reportedly burning their camps.

The fighting left the area in a precarious calm as of August 13, with both sides positioned for further confrontations. The instability underscores the continuing security risk in North Kivu, where armed group activity disrupts civilian movement, local commerce and humanitarian access.

Conclusion

The period from August 1 to 15, 2026, represents a pivotal juncture for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The period is defined by Kinshasa’s aggressive push to leverage diplomatic channels, economic assets, and legal frameworks, juxtaposed against severe security, political, and public health vulnerabilities across the territory.