In Katale/Masisi the Wazalendo claim cutting the route for the supplies of the M23RDF.

 

17/01/2025

Reports from civilians:

This morning, clashes continued between the Rwandan army supported by the M23 rebellion and the Wazalendo in Katal and Rukicha, respectively 12 and 17km from Masisi Center, as well as in Kanii, a village located 3km from Masisi Center .

However, around 8:45 am, our sources report precarious calm.

In the territory of Lubero, the M23 RDFs share the  control of Luofu with the FARDC. Calm is also observed there.

For 3 hours, the clashes have been reported between the M23_RDF and Wazalendo in Kashuga, a village located in the Bashali Mukoto group in the Bashali chiefdom.

Eyeing Alimbongo,the FARDC managed to dislodge, this Friday, January 17 morning, the M23 rebels from Kasake, a hill overlooking the town of Ngungu.

Our Precise Report from Lubero:

A few days after the capture of the Mining and Agricultural city of Ngungu by the Rwandan army, supported by the M23 rebellion, which facilitated a small advance of the rebels to kasake, our intelligence collections from the area affirm that the Fardc, supported by the Wazalendo and the army of Burundi, a country that is in bilateral cooperation with the DRC, stopped the advance of the rebels and chased them from the village of Kasake.

Intelligence from two Frontline affirm that the Congolese army, with its allies, has once again approached the city of Ngungu where the population that had remained there, during the reoccupation of this city by the Rwandan army and M23, has been emptying since yesterday. Some are heading towards Goma and others are heading to the surrounding areas.

According to intelligence report to me,the Fardc, Wazalendo and allies are in Kadahandwa, less than 4km from Ngungu.Furthermore, the Fardc and Wazalendo have still not recovered the locality of Alimbongo, contrary to false information according to which the Fardc would have regained control of this locality, in the territory of Lubero.

The army is advancing with determination for the imminent reconquest of this city and th sorrounding localities.

Colonel and military administrator of Lubero territory, Alain kiwewa, launched a curse on Rwandan President Paul kagame, while accusing him of being at the origin of the troubles in the eastern part of the DRC.

USA dismayed by Kagame's military stunts in North Kivu

 

United States of America expresses its dismay at the extent of Rwanda's military activities in North Kivu province, alongside the M23 rebels. This increased activism by Rwandan soldiers is confirmed by the latest report of the United Nations Group of Experts on the security situation in eastern DRC.

In a statement published on its website on Wednesday, January 15, the US State Department denounced the deployment by the Rwandan army of sophisticated military equipment in the region, including GPS-guided mortars. mortars.

"The United States condemns the unlawful presence of several thousand Rwandan troops in the DRC, as well as Rwanda's support for and direction of the U.N.- and U.S.-sanctioned M23 militia, and Rwanda's use of surface-to-air missile systems, GPS-guided mortars, and anti-tank missiles," the State Department said.

The statement also highlights GPS jamming activities carried out by the Rwandan army and the M23, which jeopardize humanitarian air operations in the region.

“Rwanda and M23 must immediately cease their GPS jamming and spoofing activities, which continue to impede MONUSCO air operations and UN humanitarian flights in North Kivu. These actions endanger UN and humanitarian personnel while blocking much-needed assistance to civilians suffering from violence,” the US State Department added.

The recently published report also confirms Rwanda's hierarchy over the M23, as well as the massive deployment of soldiers and advanced military equipment in North kivu.

Thirty-seven (37) former hostages of the ADF rebels were handed over to civil society in Beni this Thursday, January 16, 2025, in the province of North Kivu, in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo

 

The ceremony was facilitated by the Sokola 1 Grand Nord operational sector in front of certain competent authorities. These former hostages were abducted by the attackers, mostly in the fields during rural activities, particularly in Beni, Lubero, Irumu and Mambasa in Ituri.

"37 former hostages recovered by the joint FARDC-UPDF force have just been handed over to the civil society of Beni city and territory this Thursday. They are 07 men and 18 women , 12 children," said Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay, spokesperson for the Sokola 1 Grand Nord operational sector.

According to this military officer, an M23 fighter recruited in Ituri surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Civil society in the city of Beni, through its president, Maître Pépin Kavotha, calls on the population to welcome these civilians and accept them into their families.

As a reminder, several other former hostages were handed over to civil society and MONUSCO last year in the same region in the presence of certain security authorities.

 More than ten (10) people died in an attack attributed to the rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the territory of Lubero (North Kivu), this Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

According to the military administrator of the said territory, who confirmed the in the ADF targeted the village of Makoko located in the chiefdom of Baswagha where they killed these civilians.

"There was an incursion by the ADF into Makoko. It is a village located near Muhangi in the chiefdom of Baswagha. For the moment, our defence elements are working to reassure the security of the population," said Colonel Kiwewa Mitela, administrator of the Lubero territory.

Civil society speaks out about the confused situation in Makoko after this deadly attack.

"Several civilians were killed by the ADF in Makoko. There were about ten dead. Among the victims was the Mwami of the Bulengya group. They fell into an ambush set by the enemy in Luthambi," declared César Kambale Mughutha, president of the youth in Baswagha.

Following this incursion, socio-economic activities were paralyzed in Makoko, and even in the Muhangi agglomeration, independent sources reported.

"In Muhangi and surrounding areas, activities have been paralyzed following the ADF attack in Makoko. Students were sent home early due to fear," said a local resident on condition of anonymity.

This situation worries local civil society. It calls on the military authorities to quickly get to work to confront the enemy “who wants to destabilize this part that supplies the city of Butembo with food.”

It should be noted that the ADF rebels have, in recent days, intensified attacks in certain towns of Bapere and Baswagha in Lubero territory, causing deaths of men alongside the property of the population reduced to ashes.

Is willy Ngoma dead or alive or sidelined?FARDC and Wazalendo are eyeing Rubaya

Violent clashes are taking place this Wednesday, January 15, between the Congolese army and its allies and the M23/AFC rebels on several fronts in three of the six territories of North Kivu. Local sources speak of the FARDC advancing in Nyiragongo and Bwito. Clashes are also reported in several villages south of Lubero, notably in Kamandi Gite and Kibanda, located west of the rural commune of Kayna. Information from local and security sources indicates that the clashes began around 9 a.m. this Wednesday, January 15. These clashes are concentrated in the villages of Alimbongo and Luofu, approximately 60 kilometers from Lubero-centre. Explosions of heavy and light weapons were heard as far as Kayna and Kirumba, according to several civil society actors. In parallel, other fighting was reported further east, in the village of Luofu and around the rural area of ​​Kirumba. Security sources confirm these clashes, but without providing further details. They note that the FARDC, which maintains its initial positions, is responding to attacks by the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, by hitting rebel positions with artillery and combat helicopters. Tensions remain high in the region, with reports of reinforcements in men and ammunition on both sides.

RDF Strategy: A Maneuver, the terrorist RDF, are trying to outflank towards Virunga Park to reach Mubambiro. Mubambiro is located behind Sake, their objective being to bypass and attack Sake from the rear through a strategic outflanking. We can already anticipate their next move with this attempt at circumvention. The rise in power of the FARDC is a reality now fear has changed sides.

On the NYIRAGONGO axis, the Rwandan army has reinforced its men who have just launched the lightning offensive on the positions of the WAZALENDO / FARDC in Nditi. Some heavy weapons of the Rwandan army are firing from Rwandan territory. Not to mention that this area where the clashes are taking place is not far from Rwanda and the city of GOMA. We recommend the involvement of fighter planes to neutralize this Rwandan force which is targeting the city of GOMA.

The Congolese army and the Wazalendo are about to completely surround the mining city of Rubaya The northern, western and eastern positions of the city are already conquered, the battle continues for the southern positions still under the control of the M23 The city is already visible to the FARDC from the hills

The M23 in pain, abandons weapons and ammunition Apart from Rukara, the attackers are not on any other hill on the Ngungu side... the agglomeration of Ngungu remains in the hands of the FARDC-VDP (Wazalendo) The elements of the M23/RDF who, since 4am, have launched assaults to recapture this city that they lost 3 days ago, have come under fire from the coalition of loyalist forces and have just withdrawn to the Kasuku hill according to our sources. The Rwandan army has changed its strategy on all front lines to try to hide its dead. After the loss of its men, this Rwandan Army has just equipped its men with Burundian uniforms to try to manipulate the weak, namely the Burundian soldiers who die on the front lines. As they do not have evidence that can help them manipulate national and international opinion on the FARDC / WAZALENDO, now they have just attacked the Burundian army. NB: If these are Burundian soldiers who die in North Kivu, why are they buried in Rwanda?

Colonel Musa of the Wazalendo Resistance has just confirmed the death of Sultani MAKENGA's younger brother of the M23. According to this colonel, Sultani MAKENGA's little brother was among the commanders who coordinated operations around the strategic city of Ngungu - RUBAYA. Colonel Musa identified him among the bodies on the ground on the hill overlooking the city of Ngungu.

I see Rwandans mentioning Oscar Balinda as the spokesperson for the M23. So tell us: Willy Ngoma is no longer the spokesperson, or is he dead? It is conjugated in the past tense. Have you seen his appearances as he had the hemp-like and megalomaniacal fantasy of doing? Maybe he has been kicked out of this world. Information for Congolese members of the M23. A meeting was held in Kigali during which it was decided to exclude all Congolese from decision-making bodies because the phase of transplanting Rwandans to Kivu has begun. Remember Roger LUMBALA. The Rwandan movement in Congo has been drained of all substance. The snake is dead, it is only its tail that moves.

Wazalendo improves on use of ambushes as another 5 M23/RDF elements fall into the WAZALENDO ambush in Kiseguro,as fighting continues in Lubero on 14/1/2024

 

First of all, on January 10, 2025, the Collective of Movements for Change, People's Defense Forces succeeded in neutralizing a cohort of military expedition of the Rwandan army in the high mountains of Mitumba precisely in Kanaba.

This delegation of Rwandan soldiers came from Bunagana towards Kitshanga and Masisi.

The Rwandans and their President Paul Kagame are in indescribable mourning. Usually the CMC/FDP does not advocate the shedding of African blood but the expert tyrant in this matter Mr. Paul Kagame forced us to live this tragedy.

Secondly, on January 11, 2025, the locality of Kihondo Center in the territory of Rutshuru, chiefdom of Bwito was forcibly passed into the hands of CMC / FDP.

The sons and daughters engaged in the defense of the homeland succeeded at all costs in reconquering the city of Kihondo.

Thirdly, the CMC / FDP denounces the genocide that the Rwandan army is displaying. In Tongo Bungushu, the Rwandan army, to satisfy its appetite, continues to distribute anguish to the Congolese people by killing eight civilians picked up in Lusheghe on January 11, 2025, and their bodies were picked up on the edge of the PNVi behind Rushovu and Bungushu. Fourthly, on January 12, 2025, a clash of old leopards and lions was recorded in Masha, Bukombo group, where the famous lions were neutralized nine times.

The CMC/FDP welcomed this because the only sacred credo is now the defense of the Congolese homeland.

Fifthly, on January 12, 2025, the men and women of CMC/FDP did everything to reconquer the city and chief town of Kikuku. The men of Makenga did not swear by their natural oath to flee in the face of the builders of the Congolese Noah's Ark.

Sixthly, on January 13, 2025, the builders of the Congolese Noah's Ark were able to disarticulate the Rwandan army in Mulimbi, Tongo group, Rutshurub territory, where four of Kagame's sons were neutralized.

Seventhly, on January 13, 2025, the CMC/FDP elements did an impeccable job of sending nine elements of the Rwandan army to irrevocable hell in Muhanga in Rutshuru.

Eighthly, three elements of the Rwandan army were automatically neutralized by the professionals of CMC/FDP in Mulimbi group of Tongo territory of Rutshuru on January 13, 2025.

Lastly, the CMC/FDP amply congratulates its soldiers for their daily use of professionalism in their work, courage and self-sacrifice in the patriotic mission.

Fighting is raging this Tuesday, January 14 in several localities in the territory of Lubero (North Kivu) where the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebels are at odds. This is particularly true in the villages of Kibanda, which is located between Luofu and Kayna.

According to our sources, the FARDC have intensified their operations in this area since Monday morning by pounding rebel positions. Tensions remain palpable, and the climate of insecurity is growing.

"This morning, we heard heavy weapons fire coming from Luofu towards Kayna, forcing several residents to suspend their activities. Since yesterday, Monday, in Kikuvo, shops and stores have remained closed. Many residents are staying in their plots and monitoring the situation. Several students and schoolchildren have returned home, fearing for their safety," describes a source in the area.

The FARDC have reinforced their forward defenses in Mambasa, while the M23, positioned at a distance from this locality, has established a fortress to prevent any advance by the army towards Alimbongo.

Other intense fighting has been reported between Paysana and Kiranga. Residents of the localities of Kirumba and Kayna report hearing the sound of heavy weapons, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

“For the moment, heavy and light weapons fire dominates the area of ​​Kamandi, Kikuvo and the eastern part of Luofu. The shots are ringing out everywhere, and it seems that the FARDC are heading towards Kayna, an area controlled by the M23. We fear hearing again about strategic withdrawals as in other areas recovered by the M23 rebels, leaving the population in danger. We ask the government to look into military operations, because diplomacy has not borne fruit,” .

Lumbishi in masisi liberated ,M23 retreated with heavy loss and casualties.

 

New fighting has been taking place since early morning on Monday, January 13, 2025, between elements of the M23/RDF coalition and the FARDC supported by the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP), commonly called "wazalendo" in Kiseguro, a locality located approximately 20 km from Kiwanja, in the Binza group, Bwisha chiefdom, in the Rutshuru territory (North Kivu). According to Isaac Kibira, deputy delegated official of the governor in the neighboring Bwito chiefdom and notable of Rutshuru, the wazalendo have launched new offensives against the M23 in order to dislodge them from this region. "The wazalendo went to track down the M23 elements in their positions at Kiseguro. A relative lull is also observed on the Sake-Kimoka axis where fighting was also reported, Sunday, on certain hills overlooking the city of Sake, 27 km from Goma, in the Masisi territory.In masisi,FARDC AND WAZALENDO liberated this Monday, January 13, 2025 the locality of lumbishi, . Wazalendo was heading towards mushaki and bihabwe by 4:15 p.m. in shasha in the mupfuni shanga group. The FARDC are moving the families of soldiers away from the front lines to strengthen the effectiveness of the troops against the M23. The wives and children of FARDC soldiers were relocated from Lubero to Beni last week. According to the territorial authority, this measure is part of the implementation of a directive from the military hierarchy. Colonel Kiwewa Mitela Alain, military administrator of the Lubero territory, justified this decision by specifying that a soldier cannot fight fully when he is exposed to the risk of seeing his loved ones affected by the clashes.

DRC suspends Aljazeera for 90 days

 

You see!!! That what som of the media in Rwanda has started!

 

UNDERSTANDING UGANDA’s DEEP LINKS TO M23 REBELLION

January 11, 2025

The ongoing M23 rebellion in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sparked significant debate regarding its origins, motivations, and external backers. 

While DRC authorities have often pointed fingers at Rwanda for allegedly supporting the group, a deeper analysis reveals that Uganda has a far more substantial connection to M23.

Here, we explore the historical and current links between M23 and Uganda, while also examining the political dynamics that have shaped perceptions of Rwanda’s alleged role.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF M23 LEADERSHIP AND RANK-AND-FILE.

Following their defeat in 2013, M23 rebels scattered across the region. 

While some sought refuge in Rwanda, the majority, including the group’s key leaders and rank-and-file members, relocated to Uganda. 

This is corroborated by reports from the United Nations Group of Experts on the DRC, which documented the presence of M23 fighters in Uganda. 

These fighters remained inactive for years, suggesting tacit acceptance or even protection by Ugandan authorities. 

By contrast, those who fled to Rwanda were disarmed and integrated into camps under international supervision, where they remain to this day.

The resurgence of M23 in 2022 points to Uganda’s role as a key enabler. 

Many of the current M23 leaders reportedly operated freely in Uganda, where they established businesses and maintained access to resources. 

This aligns with statements by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, who initiated contact with M23 leaders from Uganda during the early days of his administration. 

Reports indicate that Uganda facilitated these interactions, with the intention of leveraging M23 as a tool for influence in eastern DRC.

STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHY |  UGANDA’s BORDER and M23 ACTIVITIES.

M23’s current operational base in Eastern DRC is concentrated around Bunagana, a strategic town directly bordering Uganda. 

This location underscores Uganda’s logistical significance for the group. 

Supplies, reinforcements, and financial support can easily flow from Uganda into rebel-held territories, bypassing Rwandan borders entirely. 

By contrast, Rwanda’s geographical position relative to M23 strongholds makes its alleged logistical support far less plausible.

Moreover, Ugandan political and military figures have demonstrated an overt affinity for M23. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and head of Uganda’s military, has publicly expressed admiration for the group. Such statements suggest a level of ideological alignment and potential covert support, further implicating Uganda as a primary external actor in the rebellion.

M23 leaders’ economic activities in Uganda further highlight their dependence on the country. Several commanders reportedly own property and businesses in Uganda, enabling them to sustain their operations. This economic integration into Uganda’s system reflects a long-standing relationship between the group and its host country.

Additionally, Uganda’s involvement in the DRC is multifaceted. While officially deployed to combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) under a joint agreement with Kinshasa, Uganda’s military presence also provides cover for other activities. 

The coexistence of Ugandan troops and M23 rebels in the same regions raises questions about potential coordination or, at the very least, a mutual understanding.

RWANDA’s DENIAL and TSHISEKEDI ’s POLITICAL CALCULATIONS.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently reiterated that Rwanda has no involvement with M23. 

This denial aligns with Rwanda’s historical approach of disarming and containing M23 fighters within its borders. 

Rwanda’s position is further supported by the lack of credible evidence linking it to the group’s resurgence in 2022. 

Instead, the accusations against Rwanda appear to stem from a broader political strategy by DRC authorities.

President Tshisekedi’s alignment with Uganda suggests a deliberate effort to shift blame onto Rwanda. 

This aligns with Uganda’s long-standing #rivalry with Rwanda, marked by historical attempts to undermine President Kagame’s government. 😱

As far back as 1996, Ugandan officials, including General Salim Saleh, were implicated in plans to support Rwandan exiles seeking to overthrow Kagame. This history of antagonism provides context for the current narrative linking Rwanda to M23.

Further evidence of Uganda’s involvement in subversive activities against Rwanda can be found in the revelations made by President Kagame himself. 

In a speech during the 16th government retreat in 2019, Kagame highlighted Uganda’s role in aiding Rwanda’s enemies over the past two decades. He described specific incidents, such as Uganda’s support for the Rwandan National Congress (RNC) and its leaders like Kayumba #Nyamwasa, as well as the arrest and torture of Rwandans like Rene #Rutagungira. 

Kagame also pointed out Uganda’s relationship with figures like Tribert Rujugiro, a wealthy Rwandan tycoon accused of funding subversive activities against Rwanda.#Rujugiro has since died. Kagame’s speech underscores Uganda’s persistent involvement in activities aimed at destabilizing Rwanda.

Additionally, Kagame referenced a series of meetings in 1998 between Seth Sendashonga, a former Rwandan internal security minister-turned-dissident, and Ugandan Generals including Gen. Saleh, as documented by French author Gérard Prunier in his book “Africa’s World War.” In this meeting, Sendashonga was reportedly encouraged to mobilize Rwandan exiles for rebellion against Kigali. These historical connections further highlight Uganda’s role in fostering anti-Rwanda sentiments and activities.

Uganda’s Broader Role in Regional Politics

Uganda’s strategic interests in the Great Lakes region extend beyond M23. Museveni has consistently provided refuge to Rwandan dissidents, including political and military figures opposed to Kagame. This policy aligns with Uganda’s historical role as a hub for exiled opposition groups. The presence of such individuals in Uganda underscores the country’s willingness to host actors hostile to Rwanda.

Additionally, Museveni’s influence over Tshisekedi has grown significantly, as evidenced by joint military operations and coordinated political strategies. 

This partnership suggests a broader agenda to isolate Rwanda regionally by framing Rwanda as the primary supporter of M23, Uganda and DRC aim to weaken Kagame’s government diplomatically and strategically.

THE NARRATIVE OF REGIME CHANGE

The framing of Rwanda as M23’s sponsor also aligns with the long-standing agenda of regime change targeting Kagame. 

Critics of Kagame’s government, including exiled opposition figures and regional actors, have historically sought to destabilize Rwanda. 

Museveni’s involvement in these efforts, dating back to his collaboration with exiled Rwandan politicians in the 1990s, reflects a persistent pattern.

The current narrative serves to discredit Rwanda internationally while bolstering Uganda’s regional influence. 

By positioning itself as an ally to the DRC, Uganda seeks to reshape regional dynamics in its favor. This strategy not only isolates Rwanda but also consolidates Museveni’s influence over Tshisekedi, ensuring Uganda’s dominance in the Great Lakes region. 🫣😳🫣

While #Rwanda remains a convenient scapegoat for M23’s activities, the evidence points to #Uganda as the group’s primary external enabler. 

⏏️From hosting M23’s leadership to facilitating their resurgence, Uganda’s role is both direct and significant. 

⏏️The geographical, economic, and political ties between Uganda and M23 further underscore this connection.

⏏️By contrast, Rwanda’s alleged involvement appears to be part of a broader political strategy aimed at isolating Kagame’s government. 

⏏️Tshisekedi’s alignment with Museveni reflects a calculated effort to shift blame onto Rwanda, despite Uganda’s well-documented links to M23. 

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering genuine regional stability.

This was an extract from KT press ,a Rwanda media outlets.That was the link,but it has been deleted!!Even I deleted ,we still have seen what they have towards us.

https://www.ktpress.rw/2025/01/understanding-ugandas-deep-links-to-m23-rebellion/

Baluku still active commander of ADF which has established strong links with DAESH

Photo:Some of the communication gadgets the ADF used.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) maintains a simple, centralised command structure, led by Musa Baluku, despite persistent rumours of his ill health, according to the UN Panel of Experts report published on 8 January 2025. ADF sub-groups, while operating with a degree of independence, consistently report to Baluku, who maintains a firm grip on the organisation.

The report said that Baluku, still active, exercises tight control over his commanders, including Abwakasi, and has reportedly expressed the intention to blow himself up with an explosive vest if captured. His right-hand man, Seka Umaru, is named as his potential successor. Major ADF operations still require the authorisation of Baluku, who receives detailed reports and photographs after each attack, used for strategic decision-making and propaganda purposes.

Furthermore, the Islamic State (Daesh) group has taken increasing interest in ADF activities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The report notes a significant increase in the number of attacks claimed by Daesh from June 2024, with 111 attacks claimed between 2 June and the end of October. The time between an attack and its claim has been significantly reduced, sometimes reaching only 24 hours, which reflects more rapid and direct communication between Daesh and the ADF.

These developments indicate increased collaboration between the ADF and Daesh, reinforcing concerns about the expansion of terrorist influence in Ituri and North Kivu.

....we are still working on a document that will present all the ADF attrocities in the 2024 and we will produce it next week...,.