Wazalendo Reoccupy Mpety After AFC/M23 Withdrawal Amid Shifting Frontlines in North Kivu

WALIKALE, North Kivu March 29, 2026 - Wazalendo self-defense fighters have re-entered and reoccupied the town of Mpety in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, two days after the withdrawal of AFC/M23 elements from the area, according to local sources. Mpety, located in the Banakindi area of the Kisimba group in Walikale territory, had been under the presence of AFC/M23 fighters before their reported pullout earlier in the week. Following their departure, Wazalendo units that had been positioned several kilometers away advanced rapidly to secure the locality. Local accounts indicate that the groups moved in to establish control and prevent any potential return of AFC/M23 forces. Since March 27, Wazalendo fighters and local commanders have been visibly present in the town, marking a new phase in the shifting control of the area. The reoccupation reflects a broader pattern of fluid frontlines in North Kivu, where armed groups frequently reposition in response to clashes, withdrawals, or tactical redeployments. While some residents have welcomed the Wazalendo presence as a relative improvement in security conditions, others remain concerned that the situation could escalate again if AFC/M23 elements attempt to re-enter the area, potentially triggering renewed fighting. The development comes amid continued instability across Walikale territory and wider parts of North Kivu, where civilian populations remain exposed to recurring insecurity, displacement risks, and unpredictable changes in territorial control.