Fragile Calm Returns to Kalembe and Kalonge After Night of Fighting Between AFC/M23

Goma, July 9, 2026 - A fragile calm has returned to Kalembe and Kalonge, two localities located along the border between Masisi and Walikale territories in North Kivu, following a night of intense clashes between AFC/M23 fighters and Wazalendo armed groups. The fighting erupted late Wednesday, July 8, around 11:00 p.m., according to local sources, after Wazalendo forces launched an attack against AFC/M23 positions in the area. Exchanges of fire involving heavy and light weapons continued for several hours until around 4:00 a.m. Thursday, causing widespread fear among residents. Several inhabitants reported spending the night sheltering inside their homes as explosions and gunfire echoed across the area. Some families sought refuge at the Kalembe health center, considered a safer location during the confrontation. “We spent the night at the health center because the fighting was coming from several directions,” one resident said, describing the panic caused by the intensity of the clashes. According to traditional authorities, Wazalendo fighters withdrew from Kalembe after several hours of combat. Since Thursday morning, the situation has remained relatively calm, allowing some displaced residents to gradually return home. However, the atmosphere remains tense, with many residents reluctant to resume normal activities due to fears that fighting could resume at any moment. Local authorities and community leaders are continuing to monitor developments, while assessments are underway to determine possible casualties and material damage. No official figures have been released so far. The latest clashes highlight the persistent insecurity in the border areas between Masisi and Walikale, where confrontations between armed groups continue to threaten civilian populations and complicate efforts to restore lasting stability in North Kivu.