DR Congo Conflict

ACLED Update — 2026-06-11

• [2025-06-04] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Banamuruhya
  • On 4 June 2025, M23 clashed against FARDC on Nkobe hill, Banakindi locality, coded to nearby Banamuruhya (Wanianga, Wali (Actualite)
• [2025-06-04] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Katana | 2 fatalities
  • On 4 June 2025, Wazalendo coming from Kabushwa clashed against M23 in Katana (Kabare, Sud-Kivu). Two civilians were kill (7 Sur 7; La Prunelle; Mediacongo.net)

ACLED Update — 2026-06-10

• [2025-06-03] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs Police Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Lubunga | 2 fatalities
  • On 3 June 2025, Wazalendo clashed against police in Lubunga (Kisangani, Tshopo). The clash happened as Wazalendo were va (Actualite)
• [2025-06-10] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Bukavu - Kadutu | 3 fatalities
  • On 10 June 2025, suspected Wazalendo detonated an explosive engine during a M23 meeting with the Bourgmestre de la commu (7 Sur 7; Election-Net; Pamoja Kwa Amani)
• [2025-06-10] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) Naval Forces | Mughalika | 2 fatalities
  • On 10 June 2025, Wazalendo clashed against ICCN guards and FARDC in Mughalika (Ruwenzori, Beni, Nord-Kivu), after ICCN-F (Forum de Paix de Beni)
• [2025-06-10] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Katsiru | 1 fatalities
  • On 10 June 2025, overnight, Wazalendo from CMC-FDP clashed against M23 in Katsiru (Bwito, Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu). CMC-FDP (La Prunelle)

ACLED Update — 2026-06-09

• [2025-06-09] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Pinga
  • On 9 June 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Mulema, coded to nearby Pinga (Walikale, Nord-Kivu). M23 pushed back Wazal (Actualite; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-06-09] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs FDLR: Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda | Nyamilima | 1 fatalities
  • On 9 June 2025, M23 clashed with FDLR-Wazalendo in Nyamilima (Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu). Light and heavy weapons were heard, (Actualite; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-06-09] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Tongo
  • On 9 June 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Mugogo, Tongo groupement, coded to the groupment seat Tongo (Rutshuru, Nor (Radio Okapi)

ACLED Update — 2026-06-07

• [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Tchofi
  • Around 31 May 2025 (between 30 May - 1 June), M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Tchofi (also spelled as Chofi) (Kalehe, Sud- (Mediacongo.net)
• [2025-06-07] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) vs ADF: Allied Democratic Forces | Manzia
  • On 7 June 2025, FARDC clashed with ADF near Enkenye hill, coded to nearby Manzia (Baswaga, Lubero, Nord-Kivu) destroying (Actualite; Election-Net; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Fizi
  • Around 31 May 2025 (between 31 May - 1 June), M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Fizi (Fizi, Sud-Kivu) and abducted at least (Mediacongo.net)
• [2025-06-07] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Katana | 9 fatalities
  • On 7 June 2025, Wazalendo clashed against M23 in Katana (Kabare, Sud-Kivu) for about five hours. The combat took place a (7 Sur 7; La Prunelle; Mediacongo.net; Twitter)

ACLED Update — 2026-06-06

• [2025-06-06] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kisone
  • On 6 June 2025, FARDC and Wazalendo regained control of Kisone (Walikale, Nord-Kivu), Nkobe and Kalinga (coded separatel (Actualite)
• [2025-06-06] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kaseke
  • On 6 June 2025, FARDC and Wazalendo regained control of Nkobe, coded to nearby Kaseke (Walikale, Nord-Kivu), Kisone and (Actualite)
• [2025-06-06] Battles — Government regains territory | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kayilenge
  • On 6 June 2025, FARDC and Wazalendo regained control of Kayilenge (also spelled as Kalinga) (Walikale, Nord-Kivu), Nkobe (Actualite)
• [2025-06-06] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Lemera
  • Around 6 June 2025 (between 6 - 7 June), M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Lemera (Kalehe, Sud-Kivu). M23 pushed back Wazale (Radio Okapi)

ACLED Update — 2026-06-04

• [2025-05-28] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kalonge
  • On 28 May 2025, Wazalendo from CMC clashed against M23 in Kalonge (Wanianga, Walikale, Nord-Kivu). Casualties unknown. (Actualite)
• [2025-05-28] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Katobo
  • On 28 May 2025, Wazalendo from CMC clashed against M23 and recovered Rushihe hill, located between Mbukuru and Katobo, c (Actualite)
• [2025-05-28] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Buhimba
  • Around 28 May 2025 (between 27 - 29 May), M23 clashed against Wazalendo from CMC and overtook Buhimba (Wanianga, Walikal (Actualite)
• [2025-05-28] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Ihula
  • Around 28 May 2025 (between 27 - 29 May), M23 clashed against Wazalendo from CMC and overtook Ihula (Wanianga, Walikale, (Actualite)
• [2025-05-28] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kalonge
  • Around 28 May 2025 (between 27 - 29 May), M23 clashed against Wazalendo from CMC and overtook Musambo, Kyanjikiro, Mbuku (Actualite)
• [2025-05-28] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kanune
  • Around 28 May 2025 (between 27 - 29 May), M23 clashed against Wazalendo from CMC and overtook Kanune (Wanianga, Walikale (Actualite)
• [2025-05-28] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kanune
  • Around 28 May 2025 (between 27 - 29 May), M23 clashed against Wazalendo from CMC and overtook Iremya, Mirungi, Banamuron (Actualite)
• [2025-05-28] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Katobo
  • Around 28 May 2025 (between 27 - 29 May), M23 clashed against Wazalendo from CMC and overtook Katobo (Wanianga, Walikale (Actualite)
• [2025-06-04] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Banamuruhya
  • On 4 June 2025, M23 clashed against FARDC on Nkobe hill, Banakindi locality, coded to nearby Banamuruhya (Wanianga, Wali (Actualite)
• [2025-05-28] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Buleusa
  • On 28 May 2025, Wazalendo from CMC clashed against M23 and recovered Ngerere, located in Ikobo groupement, coded to anot (Actualite)
• [2025-05-28] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Rusamambu
  • On 28 May 2025, Wazalendo from CMC clashed against M23 at an unspecified location approximately 4 kilometers from Rusama (Actualite)
• [2025-06-04] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Katana | 2 fatalities
  • On 4 June 2025, Wazalendo coming from Kabushwa clashed against M23 in Katana (Kabare, Sud-Kivu). Two civilians were kill (7 Sur 7; La Prunelle; Mediacongo.net)

ACLED Update — 2026-06-02

• [2025-05-26] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kibingu
  • On 26 May 2025, for the second consecutive day, M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR near Virunga Park, in Runzenze, near Kib (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-26] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kibingu
  • On 26 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR near the Virunga Park in Kibingu (Bwisha, Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu) and Runze (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-26] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Bukumbirwa
  • On 26 May 2025, M23 clashed against Wazalendo and overtook Bukumbirwa (Wanianga, Walikale, Nord-Kivu), Rusamambu, Kilamb (Election-Net; Politico (DRC))
• [2025-05-26] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kilambo
  • On 26 May 2025, M23 clashed against Wazalendo and overtook Kilambo (Wanianga, Walikale, Nord-Kivu), Rusamambu, Bumbirwa, (Election-Net; Politico (DRC))
• [2025-05-26] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Buleusa
  • On 26 May 2025, M23 clashed against Wazalendo and overtook Ngerere, located in Ikobo groupement, coded to another villag (Actualite)
• [2025-05-26] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Rusamambu
  • On 26 May 2025, M23 clashed against Wazalendo and overtook Rusamambu (Wanianga, Walikale, Nord-Kivu), Bumbirwa, Kilambo (Election-Net; Politico (DRC))
• [2025-05-26] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Muliki
  • On 26 May 2025, an armed group (likely M23 based on similar events that took place the previous day in the same area) cl (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-26] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Walungu | 3 fatalities
  • On 26 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Walungu (Sud-Kivu), leaving many people dead. Unspecified number of fatali (Election-Net)

ACLED Update — 2026-06-01

• [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kirima | 4 fatalities
  • On 25 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed against M23 in several villages, including Kirima (Bwito, Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Kishis (Twitter)
• [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Lushebere
  • On 25 May 2025, M23 clashed with VDP-Wazalendo in Lushebere (Bwito, Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu). Light and heavy weapons were h (Actualite)
• [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kirumba
  • On 25 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR near the Virunga Park, employing heavy weapons from Kirima to Kirumba, c (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-06-01] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Kasongwere | 1 fatalities
  • On 1 June 2025, a FARDC soldier killed his comrade in Mumole mall in Kasongwere locality (Beni, Nord-Kivu). The reason o (Forum de Paix de Beni)
• [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kishishi | 5 fatalities
  • On 25 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed with M23 in several villages, including Kirima, Kishishi, Kanyatsi, Chahi, coded to Ki (Twitter)
• [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | Mobondo Militia (Democratic Republic of Congo) vs Mobondo Militia (Democratic Republic of Congo) | Kinsele | 1 fatalities
  • On 25 May 2025, two factions of Mobondo clashed in Vilakata village located near Kinsele (Kwamouth, Mai-Ndombe), resulti (Actualite; Radio Okapi)

ACLED Update — 2026-05-31

• [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Tchofi
  • Around 31 May 2025 (between 30 May - 1 June), M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Tchofi (also spelled as Chofi) (Kalehe, Sud- (Mediacongo.net)
• [2025-05-24] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Walungu | 6 fatalities
  • On 24 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo in three unspecified villages near Walungu, coded as Walungu (Walungu, Sud-Ki (Twitter)
• [2025-05-31] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Fizi
  • Around 31 May 2025 (between 31 May - 1 June), M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Fizi (Fizi, Sud-Kivu) and abducted at least (Mediacongo.net)
• [2025-05-24] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Walungu | 4 fatalities
  • On 24 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Nakalege, Lwena and Nkumba, all surrounding villages of Walungu, coded to (Pamoja Kwa Amani)

ACLED Update — 2026-05-30

• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kagando | 5 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Kagando (Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Kirumba, (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kibingu | 5 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Runzenze, near Kibingu (also spelled as (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kirumba | 6 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Kirumba (Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Lukarara (Radio Okapi; Twitter)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Masiza | 4 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Lukarara (also spelled as Rukarara), ne (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Mbuhi | 11 fatalities
  • On 23 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Kiringi, coded to nearby locality Mbuhi in the same groupement (Masisi, No (7 Sur 7; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Bambu | 5 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Rukano, near Bambu (also spelled as Bam (Radio Okapi; Twitter)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Tongo | 4 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Kagambi, Tongo groupement, coded to the (Radio Okapi)

ACLED Update — 2026-05-29

• [2025-05-29] Battles — Armed clash | CRP: Convention for the Popular Revolution vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Mbogi
  • On 29 May 2025, CRP clashed against FARDC in Mbogi (Bahema Banywagi, Djugu, Ituri), as CRP was attempting to attack civi (Bunia Actualite; Mediacongo.net)
• [2025-05-29] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kalonge
  • On 29 May 2025, M23 clashed against Wazalendo from CMC and overtook Kalonge (Wanianga, Walikale, Nord-Kivu). Casualties (Actualite)

ACLED Update — 2026-05-27

• [2025-05-20] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kasaka | 1 fatalities
  • On 20 May 2025, two Wazalendo factions clashed against one another at an unspecified location between Vurondo and Kasaka (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-20] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Bogamanda
  • On 20 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed against M23 in Bogamanda (Buhavu, Kalehe, Sud-Kivu). 3,600 residents fled the area. Ca (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-27] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Marangara | 3 fatalities
  • On 27 May 2025, M23 and RDF clashed with Wazalendo from FDLR at an FDLR stronghold in Marangara (Tongo, Rutshuru, Nord-K (Radio Okapi; UNSC)
• [2025-05-27] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Rukarara
  • On 27 May 2025, M23 clashed against Wazalendo in Rukarara (Tongo, Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu) and Marangara (code separately). (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-27] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Rusamambu
  • On 27 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Muronga, near Rusamambu (Wanianga, Walikale, Nord-Kivu). Casualties unknow (Election-Net; Politico (DRC))
• [2025-05-27] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Rusamambu
  • On 27 May 2025, M23 took control of Rusamambu (Wanianga, Walikale, Nord-Kivu), and in nearby Muronga (coded separately) (Election-Net; Politico (DRC))

ACLED Update — 2026-05-25

• [2025-05-18] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Kagando
  • On 18 May 2025, for the fifth consecutive day, M23 launched long-range rockets against FARDC in Kagando (Rutshuru, Nord- (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-18] Battles — Armed clash | Mayi Mayi Militia (PARECO) vs Mayi Mayi Militia (PARECO) | Katoyi | 3 fatalities
  • On 18 May 2025, two suspected factions of Mayi Mayi PARECO, one of them known as ‘Obedi Makuba’ clashed in Katoyi (Masis (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-18] Battles — Armed clash | CODECO: Cooperative for Development of Congo vs Military Forces of Uganda (1986-) | Lidda | 6 fatalities
  • On 18 May 2025, CODECO ambushed an UPDF convoy that was patrolling in Lidda (Djugu, Ituri). The clash caused at least 6 (Bunia Actualite; Mediacongo.net)
• [2025-05-18] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Kirumba
  • On 18 May 2025, for the fifth consecutive day, M23 launched long-range rockets against FARDC in Kirumba (Rutshuru, Nord- (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kirima | 4 fatalities
  • On 25 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed against M23 in several villages, including Kirima (Bwito, Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Kishis (Twitter)
• [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Lushebere
  • On 25 May 2025, M23 clashed with VDP-Wazalendo in Lushebere (Bwito, Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu). Light and heavy weapons were h (Actualite)
• [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kirumba
  • On 25 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR near the Virunga Park, employing heavy weapons from Kirima to Kirumba, c (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-18] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Kahunga
  • On 18 May 2025, for the fifth consecutive day, M23 launched long-range rockets against the FARDC in Kahunga (Rutshuru, N (Actualite)
• [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kishishi | 5 fatalities
  • On 25 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed with M23 in several villages, including Kirima, Kishishi, Kanyatsi, Chahi, coded to Ki (Twitter)
• [2025-05-25] Battles — Armed clash | Mobondo Militia (Democratic Republic of Congo) vs Mobondo Militia (Democratic Republic of Congo) | Kinsele | 1 fatalities
  • On 25 May 2025, two factions of Mobondo clashed in Vilakata village located near Kinsele (Kwamouth, Mai-Ndombe), resulti (Actualite; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-18] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Buleusa
  • On 18 May 2025, Wazalendo from CMC clashed with M23 in Buleusa (Walikale, Nord-Kivu), M23 pushed them back after one hou (Actualite)
• [2025-05-18] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Tongo
  • On 18 May 2025, for the fifth consecutive day, M23 launched long-range rockets against FARDC in Tongo groupement (Rutshu (Actualite)

ACLED Update — 2026-05-24

• [2025-05-17] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) vs Mayi Mayi Militia (Asomba Liwa) | Bafwambaya | 1 fatalities
  • On 17 May 2025, FARDC clashed against Mai-Mai group led by chief militia Asomba Liwa in Santa Mari mining site, around 1 (Bunia Actualite)
• [2025-05-17] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Bukombo
  • On 17 May 2025, for the fourth consecutive day, M23 clashed with FARDC in Duani and Buhambi, coded as Bukombo (Rutshuru, (Actualite; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-17] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Bukombo
  • On 17 May 2025, for the fourth consecutive day, M23 clashed against FARDC in Bukombo (also spelled as Bukamba) (Rutshuru (Actualite; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-17] Battles — Armed clash | Mobondo Militia (Democratic Republic of Congo) vs Mobondo Militia (Democratic Republic of Congo) | Kinsele | 3 fatalities
  • On 17 May 2025, three factions of Mobondo (one faction led by ‘Daddy’, Satonge faction and B52 faction) clashed with eac (Election-Net; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-17] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) vs FPAC: Ituri Self-Defense Popular Front (Zaire) | Lopa
  • On 17 May 2025, for the third of at least three consecutive days, FARDC attacked Zaire-CRP in Lopa town (Bahema-Nord, Dj (Bunia Actualite)
• [2025-05-24] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Walungu | 6 fatalities
  • On 24 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo in three unspecified villages near Walungu, coded as Walungu (Walungu, Sud-Ki (Twitter)
• [2025-05-24] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Walungu | 4 fatalities
  • On 24 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Nakalege, Lwena and Nkumba, all surrounding villages of Walungu, coded to (Pamoja Kwa Amani)

ACLED Update — 2026-05-23

• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kagando | 5 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Kagando (Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Kirumba, (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kibingu | 5 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Runzenze, near Kibingu (also spelled as (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kirumba | 6 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Kirumba (Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Lukarara (Radio Okapi; Twitter)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Masiza | 4 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Lukarara (also spelled as Rukarara), ne (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-16] Battles — Armed clash | FPAC: Ituri Self-Defense Popular Front (Zaire) vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Lopa
  • On 16 May 2025, for the second of at least three consecutive days, the Zaire-CRP coalition clashed with FARDC in Lopa to (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-16] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) vs FPAC: Ituri Self-Defense Popular Front (Zaire) | Malabo
  • On 16 May 2025, for the third of at least four consecutive days, FARDC clashed with Zaire in Malabo (Djugu, Ituri) and V (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Mbuhi | 11 fatalities
  • On 23 May 2025, M23 clashed with Wazalendo in Kiringi, coded to nearby locality Mbuhi in the same groupement (Masisi, No (7 Sur 7; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-16] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Bambu | 3 fatalities
  • On 16 May 2025, for the third consecutive day, Wazalendo from CMC-FDP and FDRL clashed against M23 (and likely RDF based (Kivu Morning Post; Mediacongo.net; Radio Okapi; UNSC)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Bambu | 5 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Rukano, near Bambu (also spelled as Bam (Radio Okapi; Twitter)
• [2025-05-23] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Tongo | 4 fatalities
  • Around 23 May 2025 (between 22 May - 25 May), M23 clashed with Wazalendo/FDLR in Kagambi, Tongo groupement, coded to the (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-16] Battles — Armed clash | FPAC: Ituri Self-Defense Popular Front (Zaire) vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Lita
  • On 16 May 2025, for the third of at least three consecutive days, FARDC clashed with Zaire in Virakpa, near Lita (Djugu, (Radio Okapi)

ACLED Update — 2026-05-20

• [2025-05-13] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) Naval Forces vs Military Forces of Uganda (1986-) Naval Forces | Rukwanzi Island | 2 fatalities
  • On 13 May 2025, the Congolese navy clashed against the Ugandan navy on Lake Albert, off the coast of Irumu territory, ne (Actualite; Bunia Actualite; Election-Net)
• [2025-05-20] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Kasaka | 1 fatalities
  • On 20 May 2025, two Wazalendo factions clashed against one another at an unspecified location between Vurondo and Kasaka (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-20] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Bogamanda
  • On 20 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed against M23 in Bogamanda (Buhavu, Kalehe, Sud-Kivu). 3,600 residents fled the area. Ca (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-13] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Katasomwa
  • On 13 May 2025, M23 clashed against Wazalendo in Katasomwa (Buhavu, Kalehe, Sud-Kivu). Wazalendo pushed M23 back towards (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-13] Battles — Armed clash | Mayi Mayi Militia (Mamadou) vs Mayi Mayi Militia (Tumba) | Kasugho
  • On 13 May 2025, overnight, Mayi Mayi Mamadou clashed against Mayi Mayi Tumba in Kasugho (Batangi, Lubero, Nord-Kivu), ov (Forum de Paix de Beni) BLUF

The M23 (March 23 Movement) rebellion, backed by Rwanda and integrated operationally with the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), reactivated in late 2022 after a decade-long dormancy and executed a sustained military offensive across North Kivu and South Kivu that culminated in the capture of Goma in January 2026 — the most significant fall of a major DR Congo urban center to a rebel force since the original M23 occupation in November 2012. Bukavu fell two months later, in March 2026, briefly placing both Kivu provincial capitals under M23 administrative control. The conflict has since entered a negotiated-pause phase under Angolan mediation (the Luanda Process), with partial territorial reversion in South Kivu by May 2026 alongside intensifying war-crimes documentation.

The conflict’s distinct character is that it operates simultaneously at three nested levels: (1) a bilateral Rwanda–DR Congo armed confrontation conducted through a rebel proxy that provides Kigali with plausible deniability while delivering territorial access and resource control; (2) a regional proxy war drawing in Angola (mediation, competing influence), Uganda (UPDF, ambiguous alignment with both anti-M23 operations and historical CNDP support networks), Burundi (deployed in support of FARDC), and the SADC Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC, Tanzania/South Africa/Malawi contingent); and (3) a resource-extraction contest over eastern Congo’s Cobalt, Coltan, Gold, and Cassiterite wealth, where territorial control of mining zones determines both rebel revenue streams and the structure of global tech supply chains routed via Kigali.

The current phase (2025–2026) is defined by post-Goma ceasefire dynamics, FARDC counter-offensive in the Ruzizi Plains, and a sharpening accountability track. Human Rights Watch’s May 2026 report naming individual Rwandan soldiers in the Uvira atrocities (December 2025) marks the first major Western-NGO documentation pinning IHL violations on named RDF personnel rather than only on the institutional M23/Rwanda relationship documented since 2012 by the UN Group of Experts. The withdrawal of MONUSCO across this same window removes the only standing protection-of-civilians force in the theater and creates a structural — not transitional — security vacuum. (Assessment, High.)

Strategic Overview

Eastern DRC has not been at peace since 1996. The current M23 war is the fifth recognizable iteration of a continuous proxy-and-resource conflict driven by the same structural drivers: state collapse east of Kisangani, demographic and political legacies of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and an extractive war economy that rewards armed-group persistence over political settlement. The lineage runs:

• AFDL (1996–1997) — Rwanda- and Uganda-backed Alliance des Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Congo-Zaïre overthrows Mobutu; Laurent-Désiré Kabila installed.
• Second Congo War / RCD–MLC (1998–2003) — Africa’s deadliest post-1945 conflict (≈5.4M excess deaths, IRC estimate); nine African states involved; ends with the Sun City Agreement and a transitional government.
• CNDP (2006–2009) — Tutsi-led rebellion under Laurent Nkunda, also Rwanda-backed; formally absorbed into FARDC under the 23 March 2009 agreement — the document from which M23 takes its name and its grievance.
• M23 Mark I (2012–2013) — Defection of ex-CNDP officers; capture and brief occupation of Goma (November 2012); defeated militarily by FARDC + UN Force Intervention Brigade in late 2013; remnants exfiltrated into Uganda and Rwanda.
• M23 Mark II (2022–present) — Reactivated November 2022 with capture of Bunagana on the Ugandan border; sustained territorial expansion through 2024–2025; captured Goma (January 2026) and Bukavu (March 2026).

Why eastern DRC is structurally ungovernable. Three reinforcing pathologies sustain the conflict: (1) a state-presence deficit — FARDC controls major roads in daylight and little else; civil administration, courts, and police are largely absent from the Grand Nord, Masisi, Rutshuru, and Djugu; (2) an armed-group ecosystem of 100+ active formations (Kivu Security Tracker, 2024) including FDLR, CODECO, ADF, Wazalendo coalitions, Mayi-Mayi groups, and Zaire/CRP factions in Ituri — many of which exist symbiotically with FARDC officers via mineral revenue-sharing; (3) a war economy in which control of a single mining site can generate sustaining revenue indefinitely, making armed-group disbandment economically irrational. (Assessment, High.)

Rwanda’s role. Kigali’s official position has been continuous denial of direct military involvement with M23. The countervailing documentation is substantial and converges across independent sources: the UN Group of Experts on the DRC (annual reports since 2022 documenting RDF troop deployments, artillery, surface-to-air missiles, and command integration); MONUSCO operational reports; US State Department public statements (2024 sanctions on RDF officers); and now HRW’s May 2026 named-individual attribution. The analytic question is no longer whether RDF operates inside DRC — that is established — but whether the political cost of attribution will rise high enough to alter Kigali’s strategic calculus. (Fact, High — institutional documentation; Assessment, Medium — on policy effect.)

Key Actors

Actor	Role	Position	Notes
M23 (March 23 Movement)	Rebel force	Controls most of North Kivu (Goma captured Jan 2026); held Bukavu Mar 2026; partial withdrawal from Ruzizi Plains May 2026	Tutsi-led; military integration with Rwanda Defence Force documented by UN GoE; political wing is the Congo River Alliance (AFC) under Corneille Nangaa
Rwanda (RDF)	External backer	Officially denied; documented by UN GoE, MONUSCO, US State Dept, HRW	Provides troops, artillery, air defense (SAMs), logistics; named individual soldiers in HRW Uvira report (May 2026)
FARDC	DRC state military	Defensive posture; chronic capability deficit	Poor training, chronic underfunding, mineral-revenue corruption at officer level; ≈ 130,000 personnel on paper
Wazalendo (ARP)	Pro-FARDC militia coalition	Allied with FARDC against M23	Alliance of Resistants and Patriots; umbrella for Mayi-Mayi, FDLR-linked formations, and CMC/FDP; deniable infantry surge for FARDC
FDLR	Anti-Rwanda militia	Historically allied with FARDC; degraded post-2024	Hutu militants including 1994 génocidaires; Rwanda’s stated casus belli for cross-border operations
Uganda (UPDF)	Ambiguous	Operation Shujaa joint anti-ADF operations with FARDC	Competing interests vs Rwanda in eastern DRC; historical CNDP/M23 support networks via western Uganda
Burundi	Anti-M23	Troops deployed in support of FARDC in South Kivu	Hutu-led government opposes Tutsi-led M23/Kigali bloc
Angola	Mediator	Luanda Process	Brokers FARDC–M23 talks; competes with Rwanda for regional influence in Central Africa
SADC Mission (SAMIDRC)	Regional intervention force	Tanzania/South Africa/Malawi contingents	Deployed Dec 2023; suffered casualties in Sake/Goma fighting; phased withdrawal announced 2026
MONUSCO	UN mission	Withdrawal in progress	Phased drawdown across 2024–2026; departure creates structural protection-of-civilians vacuum
ADF (Allied Democratic Forces)	ISIS-affiliated insurgency	Active in North Kivu/Ituri	Separate conflict track; targeted by joint Operation Shujaa (UPDF/FARDC)
CODECO / Zaire / CRP	Ituri armed groups	Inter-communal Lendu-Hema conflict	Active throughout 2025; FPAC-Zaire and CRP (Thomas Lubanga group) clashing with FARDC
Congo River Alliance (AFC)	M23 political front	Corneille Nangaa	Former CENI president (2018 election); provides political legitimization for M23 territorial gains

Resource Economy

Eastern Congo’s mineral endowment is the structural reason M23 keeps reactivating and the structural reason Rwanda — a country of 26,000 km² with no comparable mineral base — has become a globally significant exporter of cobalt, coltan, and gold. The relevant numbers:

• Cobalt: DRC produces ≈70% of global mine supply (USGS, 2024); concentrated in Katanga but with significant artisanal flows through Kivu corridors.
• Coltan (columbite-tantalite): DRC accounts for ≈40% of global supply; eastern DRC dominates the artisanal share; downstream tantalum is essential for capacitors in every smartphone, laptop, and modern weapons system.
• Gold: Eastern DRC artisanal gold output (UN GoE estimate, 2024) ≈ US$1B/year, of which the overwhelming majority is smuggled — a substantial fraction transits Rwanda and surfaces in UAE refining flows.
• Cassiterite (tin ore) and wolframite (tungsten): Active mining zones in Walikale, Masisi, and Rutshuru — territories currently or recently under M23 control.

The M23/Rwanda extraction architecture operates as documented by the UN GoE (2023–2024 reports) and Global Witness: M23 imposes taxation at mine sites and on transit routes; minerals exit via the Goma–Gisenyi border and the Bukavu–Cyangugu border; Rwandan trading houses re-export under Rwandan certificates of origin, sometimes after token processing; downstream buyers (refiners in Asia and the UAE) acquire material whose ICGLR/iTSCi due-diligence chain has been compromised at source. The smartphone supply chain that runs through this pipeline creates Western corporate exposure under the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Conflict-Affected Areas and under the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (in force 2021) — exposure that has so far not translated into enforcement actions of comparable scale to the financial flows involved. (Assessment, High.)

IHL dimension. Illegal exploitation of natural resources by armed groups, and the pillage of public and private property in occupied territory, are war crimes under Articles 8(2)(b)(xvi) and 8(2)(e)(v) of the Rome Statute. The ICC’s Lubanga, Katanga, and Ntaganda cases have all established jurisprudence rooted in eastern DRC conflict dynamics; the Ntaganda judgment (2019) is particularly relevant as Ntaganda was a CNDP/M23 commander, providing direct doctrinal continuity with the current rebellion. (Fact, High.)

Timeline

Date	Event
2009-03-23	CNDP signs peace agreement with DRC government — the date from which M23 takes its name and grievance
2012-04-04	M23 mutiny begins; ex-CNDP officers desert FARDC
2012-11	M23 captures Goma (first occupation; 11-day hold)
2013-11	M23 defeated by FARDC + UN Force Intervention Brigade; remnants exit to Uganda/Rwanda
2022-11	M23 re-emerges; captures Bunagana on the Ugandan border
2023-01	Nairobi process opens; repeated ceasefire violations through 2023
2023-12	SADC Mission (SAMIDRC) deploys to support FARDC
2024-01	M23 advances on Goma; EAC Regional Force withdraws under Kinshasa pressure
2024-02	Sake falls; M23 reaches Goma outskirts
2024	US State Department sanctions named RDF officers; UN GoE publishes detailed RDF integration documentation
2025-12	M23 captures Uvira (South Kivu); door-to-door raids documented
2026-01	M23 captures Goma — capital of North Kivu; most significant rebel city capture since 2012
2026-02	Luanda Process ceasefire talks; Angola mediation intensifies
2026-03	M23 captures Bukavu (capital of South Kivu); both Kivu capitals under rebel control
2026-04-05	Ceasefire agreement signed; multiple violations documented within first week
2026-05-12	FARDC retakes localities in Ruzizi Plains following M23 withdrawal from Uvira
2026-05-13	HRW publishes Uvira atrocities report — 53 civilians executed, 8 rape cases, Rwandan soldiers named
2026-05-13	CPJ documents targeting of journalists Stéphane Shisso and Guelord Shamba following mining-impact reporting

Humanitarian Situation

• Displacement. Eastern DRC IDP population exceeds 7 million as of 2025 — the largest in Africa after Sudan (OCHA). The January 2026 capture of Goma triggered displacement of an estimated 500,000+ civilians within and around the city. Camps on Goma’s western perimeter (Bulengo, Lushagala, Mugunga) have been repeatedly shelled across the 2024–2026 fighting cycles.
• Civilian killings. HRW’s May 2026 Uvira report documents 53 civilians executed during M23/RDF door-to-door raids following the December 2025 capture (46 men, 1 woman, 6 children). Killings appear targeted, not collateral — survivors describe lists and ethnic screening at the household level. (Fact, High.)
• Sexual violence. HRW documents 8 rape cases in Uvira attributable to M23 fighters and Rwandan soldiers, with named individual perpetrators in some cases. Eastern DRC’s broader baseline of conflict-related sexual violence remains among the highest globally (UN Population Fund, 2024).
• Journalist suppression. CPJ (May 2026) reports Stéphane Shisso detained since January 2026 and Guelord Shamba in hiding after their joint investigative reporting on artisanal mining and armed-group financing. This pattern — armed groups suppressing accountability journalism on resource extraction — mirrors the dynamic documented in the Gaza Journalists — Targeting of Press investigation and in Lebanon press-targeting cases. (Fact, High.)
• Food security. IPC Phase 3+ (Crisis or worse) covers most of North and South Kivu; pockets of IPC 4 (Emergency) in M23-occupied areas where commercial access has collapsed (FEWS NET, 2025).
• Disease. Mpox Clade Ib epicenter is in South Kivu; cholera and measles outbreaks are recurrent in IDP camps; HIV prevalence is elevated in conflict-affected populations.

Strategic Implications

(1) Deniable proxy warfare as a regional template. The Rwanda–M23 architecture is a more sophisticated iteration of the deniable-intervention model also operating in Sudan (RSF/UAE) and across the Sahel (Wagner/Africa Corps). What distinguishes the M23 case is integration depth: RDF units do not merely supply M23; they appear to fight alongside and through M23, sharing command structures and air-defense assets while preserving the political fiction of separation. This raises the bar for what “proxy warfare” means and provides a doctrinal template — embedded deniability — that other regional powers can study. Attribution-resistant warfare of this density is the operational vanguard of hybrid conflict in Africa. (Assessment, High.)

(2) MONUSCO withdrawal as a structural — not transitional — vacuum. The conventional framing treats UN-mission drawdown as a transition to be replaced by African Union, EAC, or SADC capacity. The evidence from 2023–2026 suggests this framing is wrong: SAMIDRC took casualties without altering the operational picture; the EAC Regional Force was politically rejected by Kinshasa within months; bilateral deployments (Burundi, Romanian Romanian private contractors documented in 2024) are tactical patches without protection-of-civilians mandates. There is no successor force with both the mandate and the capability MONUSCO held. The post-withdrawal equilibrium is not transition to alternative protection but abandonment of protection as a function. (Assessment, Medium-High.)

(3) Mineral supply chains and Western corporate complicity. The cobalt-coltan-tantalum pipeline that runs through Goma–Gisenyi and Bukavu–Cyangugu connects directly to global tech manufacturing. Apple, Tesla, Intel, and Samsung have all been named in due-diligence litigation or shareholder action over DRC sourcing. The EU Conflict Minerals Regulation has not been enforced at scale; the OECD Due Diligence Guidance is non-binding; the iTSCi tagging scheme has been compromised at source by armed-group co-option of artisanal sites. The net effect: continued M23/Rwanda control of mineral zones creates a resource-extraction architecture that the global tech supply chain is structurally dependent on, and that no current regulatory instrument is calibrated to disrupt. The accountability track opened by HRW’s named-individual Uvira documentation creates IHL liability for Rwanda — and, downstream, reputational liability for any corporate buyer who cannot demonstrate that its tantalum, tin, and tungsten are not transiting M23-taxed routes. (Assessment, High.)

Cross-References

• DR Congo — state actor profile
• M23 — rebel-force profile
• Rwanda — external-backer profile
• Uganda — UPDF and historical M23 networks
• MONUSCO — UN mission, withdrawal track
• Sudan Civil War — parallel deniable-proxy-warfare pattern
• Gaza Journalists — Targeting of Press — journalist-targeting thematic parallel
• Proxy Warfare
• Hybrid Warfare
• Cobalt — supply-chain dimension
• Coltan — supply-chain dimension
• Rwandan Genocide 1994 — root historical driver

Sources

1. UN Group of Experts on the DRC — Final Reports (2022, 2023, 2024) — Fact, High (primary; UN Security Council S/2022/967, S/2023/990, S/2024/432 series)
2. Human Rights Watch — “DR Congo: M23, Rwandan Forces Executed Civilians” (May 2026) — Fact, High (primary HRW field investigation, named-individual attribution)
3. ACLED — Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, DRC dataset — Fact, High (event-level coded data; basis for daily ACLED updates below)
4. Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — journalist-targeting reports on Shisso and Shamba (May 2026) — Fact, High
5. International Crisis Group — DRC briefings and reports (2022–2025) — Assessment, High
6. MONUSCO — public situation reports and SRSG briefings to UNSC — Fact, High (UN primary)
7. Global Witness — DRC mineral supply-chain investigations (2023–2024) — Fact / Assessment, High (NGO investigative; corporate exposure framing)
8. Kivu Security Tracker / Congo Research Group (NYU) — armed-group mapping — Fact, High (specialized academic-NGO tracker)
9. USGS — Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024 (cobalt, tantalum, tin) — Fact, High (production statistics)
10. ICC jurisprudence — Lubanga (2012), Katanga (2014), Ntaganda (2019) — Fact, High (IHL/Rome Statute precedent grounded in eastern DRC)

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ACLED Update — 2026-05-15

• [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Butare
  • Around 8 May 2025 (as reported), Wazalendo clashed with M23 in Butare (Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Bundabi and Kabizo (coded s (Mediacongo.net; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Buabo
  • On 15 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed against M23 in Ngwaki and Lwansihe, both located in Buabo groupement (Osso, Masisi, No (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | FPAC: Ituri Self-Defense Popular Front (Zaire) vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Tsiku
  • On 15 May 2025, Zaire, with the support of CRP, clashed against FARDC in Tsiku (Bahema-Nord, Djugu, and Ituri) and nearb (Actualite; Bunia Actualite; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | FPAC: Ituri Self-Defense Popular Front (Zaire) vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Katoto
  • On 15 May 2025, Zaire, with the support of CRP, clashed, against FARDC in Katoto (Bahema-Nord, Djugu, and Ituri) and nea (Actualite; Bunia Actualite; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) vs FPAC: Ituri Self-Defense Popular Front (Zaire) | Malabo
  • On 15 May 2025, for the second of at least four consecutive days, FARDC clashed with Zaire in Malabo (Djugu, Ituri) and (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | FPAC: Ituri Self-Defense Popular Front (Zaire) vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Lopa
  • On 15 May 2025, for the first of at least three consecutive days, the Zaire-CRP coalition attacked FARDC positions in Lo (Actualite; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kabizo
  • Around 8 May 2025 (as reported), Wazalendo clashed with M23 in Kabizo (Bwito, Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Butare, and Bundabi (Mediacongo.net; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-08] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kabizo
  • Around 8 May 2025 (as reported), Wazalendo clashed with M23 in Bundabi, coded to Kabizo (Bwito, Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Bu (Mediacongo.net; Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Showa
  • On 15 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed against M23 in Showa (Osso, Masisi, Nord-Kivu). Casualties unknown. (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo | Bambu | 4 fatalities
  • On 15 May 2025, for the second of three days, M23 and RDF clashed against Wazalendo from CMC-FDP and FDRL in and around (Kivu Morning Post; Mediacongo.net; MSF; Radio Okapi; UNSC)
• [2025-05-15] Battles — Armed clash | FPAC: Ituri Self-Defense Popular Front (Zaire) vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Lita
  • On 15 May 2025, for the second of at least three consecutive days, FARDC clashed with Zaire in Virakpa, near Lita (Djugu (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-08] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Katogota
  • Around 8 May 2025 (as reported), M23 clashed against FARDC-Wazalendo and captured Katogota (Uvira, Bavira, Sud-Kivu). On (Congo Check; Twitter; UNSC; URN (Uganda))

ACLED Update — 2026-05-12

• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Buabo
  • Around 5 May 2025 (as reported), M23 clashed with Wazalendo around Buabo (Masisi, Nord-Kivu). Casualties unknown. (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Rushege
  • On 5 May 2025, for the second day, M23 clashed with Wazalendo (CMC/FDP) in Rushege (Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Businene, Lubw (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Katogota | 3 fatalities
  • On 5 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed with M23 in Katogota (Uvira, Sud-Kivu) and Kamanyola (coded separately) with fatalities (Mediacongo.net; Radio Okapi; RFI; Twitter)
• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Mutanda
  • On 5 May 2025, for the second day, M23 clashed with Wazalendo (CMC/FDP) in Mutanda (also spelled as Mutanga) (Rutshuru, (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kamanyola | 3 fatalities
  • On 5 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed with M23 in Kamanyola (Walungu, Sud-Kivu) and Katogota (coded separately), with fatalit (Mediacongo.net; Radio Okapi; RFI; Twitter)
• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Angola (1975-) vs FLEC-FAC: Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda-Armed Forces of Cabinda | Mbemba | 5 fatalities
  • On 5 May 2025, the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) clashed with FLEC-FAC at Kimbanza-Mbemba border, a village between Cabinda (24 Horas; Club K)
• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kabizo
  • On 5 May 2025, for the second day, M23 clashed with Wazalendo (CMC/FDP) in Kabizo (Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Lubwe Sud, Rush (Radio Okapi)
• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kabizo
  • On 5 May 2025, for the second day, M23 clashed with Wazalendo (CMC/FDP) in Lubwe Sud and Businene, coded to Kabizo (Ruts (Radio Okapi)

ACLED Update — 2026-05-12

• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Buabo

  • Around 5 May 2025 (as reported), M23 clashed with Wazalendo around Buabo (Masisi, Nord-Kivu). Casualties unknown. (Radio Okapi)

• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Rushege

  • On 5 May 2025, for the second day, M23 clashed with Wazalendo (CMC/FDP) in Rushege (Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Businene, Lubw (Radio Okapi)

• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Katogota | 3 fatalities

  • On 5 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed with M23 in Katogota (Uvira, Sud-Kivu) and Kamanyola (coded separately) with fatalities (Mediacongo.net; Radio Okapi; RFI; Twitter)

• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Mutanda

  • On 5 May 2025, for the second day, M23 clashed with Wazalendo (CMC/FDP) in Mutanda (also spelled as Mutanga) (Rutshuru, (Radio Okapi)

• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kamanyola | 3 fatalities

  • On 5 May 2025, Wazalendo clashed with M23 in Kamanyola (Walungu, Sud-Kivu) and Katogota (coded separately), with fatalit (Mediacongo.net; Radio Okapi; RFI; Twitter)

• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of Angola (1975-) vs FLEC-FAC: Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda-Armed Forces of Cabinda | Mbemba | 5 fatalities

  • On 5 May 2025, the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) clashed with FLEC-FAC at Kimbanza-Mbemba border, a village between Cabinda (24 Horas; Club K)

• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kabizo

  • On 5 May 2025, for the second day, M23 clashed with Wazalendo (CMC/FDP) in Kabizo (Rutshuru, Nord-Kivu), Lubwe Sud, Rush (Radio Okapi)

• [2025-05-05] Battles — Armed clash | Alliance of Resistants and Patriots (ARP) Wazalendo vs M23: March 23 Movement | Kabizo

  • On 5 May 2025, for the second day, M23 clashed with Wazalendo (CMC/FDP) in Lubwe Sud and Businene, coded to Kabizo (Ruts (Radio Okapi) ACLED Update — 2026-05-11

• [2025-05-04] Battles — Armed clash | Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) vs CRP: Convention for the People’s Revolution | Nyamamba | 3 fatalities

  • On 4 May 2025, CRP (Thomas Lubanga group) attacked FARDC in Nyamamba (Djugu, Ituri). FARDC used the support of combat he (Mediacongo.net; Radio Okapi)

• [2025-05-04] Battles — Armed clash | CRP: Convention for the People’s Revolution vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Nyamamba

  • Around 4 May 2025 (as reported), CRP militia attacked FARDC positions near Nyamamba (Bahema Banywagi, Djugu, Ituri). FAR (Actualite; Radio Okapi)

• [2025-05-11] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Mayi Mayi Militia (PARECO/FF) (Museveni) | Ufamandu

  • On 11 May 2025, M23 clashed with two local armed groups, PARECO/FF and Kifuwa-fuwa, in Ufamandu (Masisi, Nord-Kivu) and (Bunia Actualite)

• [2025-05-11] Battles — Armed clash | M23: March 23 Movement vs Mayi Mayi Militia (PARECO/FF) (Museveni) | Kibabi

  • On 11 May 2025, M23 clashed against two local armed groups, PARECO/FF and Kifuwa-fuwa, in Kibabi (Masisi, Nord-Kivu) and (Bunia Actualite)

• [2025-05-04] Battles — Non-state actor overtakes territory | M23: March 23 Movement vs Military Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019-) | Musenda

  • On 4 May 2025, M23 overtook control of Katundu, coded to nearby Musenda (Lubero, Nord-Kivu) on the shores of Edouard Lak (Election-Net)

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Delta Update — 2026-05-14 (External OSINT sweep, window 2026-04-26 → 2026-05-14)

Primary sources: BBC, HRW, CPJ.

New Developments

Date	Event	Source	Confidence
2026-05-12	FARDC retakes multiple localities in Ruzizi Plains after M23 withdrawal from Uvira — Government forces regained control following M23 withdrawal (January 2026). Territory reversion ongoing in South Kivu.	BBC / Reuters	High
2026-05-13–14	HRW publishes first detailed study of M23/Rwanda atrocities in Uvira — 53 civilians executed (46 men, 1 woman, 6 children) during door-to-door raids following the December 2025 capture of Uvira. 8 documented rape cases. Rwandan soldiers named alongside M23 fighters. HRW sent letter to Rwanda and M23 in April — no response after two weeks.	BBC / HRW (primary report)	High
2026-05-13	CPJ: Two DRC journalists targeted after mining impact report — Stéphane Shisso detained since January 2026; colleague Guelord Shamba remains in hiding. Both targeted following investigative reporting on artisanal mining and armed group financing.	CPJ	High

Trajectory Assessment — 2026-05-14

TRAJECTORY SHIFT: ACCOUNTABILITY DIMENSION OPENED.

The HRW Uvira report is the first primary-evidence documentation of the December occupation — it establishes an evidentiary baseline for war-crimes attribution against M23 and Rwanda’s named soldiers. Rwanda’s non-response to HRW (two weeks) compounds the accountability gap and aligns with Kigali’s consistent denial of direct military involvement despite MONUSCO/UN mapping reports.

Assessment (High). FARDC territorial recovery in Ruzizi Plains confirms M23 withdrawal from Uvira was real and not a tactical redeployment, but it does not address impunity. The HRW report specifically names Rwandan soldiers, which creates a direct IHL liability path for Rwanda — a significant escalation in the accountability track given that Rwanda’s role has previously been documented institutionally (UN Group of Experts) but rarely with named-individual attribution from a major Western human rights organization.

Assessment (Medium). The journalist targeting (Shisso/Shamba) following the mining impact report documents the same information-suppression dynamic found in Gaza and Lebanon investigations — armed groups systematically eliminating accountability journalism covering resource extraction and civilian harm. Cross-link opportunity with the Gaza Journalists investigation’s thematic framework.

Cross-link: M23 (actor profile), Rwanda (actor profile — named soldiers, accountability track), DR Congo (actor profile), Gaza Journalists — Targeting of Press (journalist targeting thematic parallel).