Wazalendo Fighters Retake Strategic Town of Katoy in North Kivu

Masisi, North Kivu, July 13, 2026 - Wazalendo fighters have regained control of the strategic town of Katoy in Masisi Territory, North Kivu, following intense clashes with AFC/M23 rebels, marking another shift in the volatile security landscape of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The fighting reportedly began on July 12 when Wazalendo forces launched an offensive from the Waloa Loanda area in neighboring Walikale Territory. Heavy and light weapons fire echoed across Katoy for several hours as both sides battled for control of the town. The violence triggered panic among residents of Katoy and nearby villages, forcing many civilians to flee their homes in search of safer areas amid fears of escalating hostilities. According to local reports, the Wazalendo ultimately succeeded in dislodging AFC/M23 fighters from the town. The rebels reportedly withdrew toward the Ngungu axis, while Wazalendo forces moved to reinforce their newly established positions and secure control of the area. No official information has been released regarding casualties or material losses, and independent verification remains difficult because of the persistent insecurity affecting the region. The recapture of Katoy comes amid renewed fighting between Wazalendo groups and AFC/M23 across the territories of Masisi and Walikale. The recurring clashes have continued to displace civilians, disrupt economic activity, and deepen the humanitarian crisis across North Kivu, underscoring the fragile security situation that persists in eastern DRC.