Acidic Security

 Fighting reported in the Bijombo highlands Clashes were reported on Saturday, October 10, 2026, around 4:00 a.m., in the Bijombo grouping within the Bavira chiefdom, Uvira territory, South Kivu. According to a local source, fighters from the AFC/M23-RDF-Twirwaneho-Red Tabara rebel coalition attacked positions held by Wazalendo fighters from the Binjigi and Masango groups. The same source states that the Wazalendo repelled the attack. However, the source noted that fighting was continuing towards Magunda at the time of the report. Intense fighting is reported in Masango and Magunda in the highlands of Mwenga and Uvira; M23 rebels allied with Rwanda attacked the positions of General Nguvu Zamilima and General Rukokoma Patron. Fighting is ongoing at Kimya2, while the rebels have fled towards Kashongo.

  After a few hours of occupation, the Wazalendo coalition advancing in Kalehe in South Kivu, quickly driving out the M23 rebels allied with Rwanda, stopped and withdrew on the night from Tuesday to this Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from the cities of Lumbishi, Shanje, village of Kavumu not far from Numbi and in the mining city of Numbi as well as several surrounding entities, our local source indicates. Acts of looting, sabotage and several houses set on fire that would be attributed to Wazalendo are reported in these entities that were temporarily under the control of the Wazalendo. About 60 houses, including kiosks, were set on fire in the center of Shanje, with looting and theft of cows, including 2 herds of cows that, according to sources, belonged to General Gabriel Amisi Kumba nicknamed Tango Four.

Civil society accuses M23 of herding civilians toward the front lines Civilians were reportedly forced toward the front lines in the Masisi territory of North Kivu, amidst fierce fighting that has pitted AFC/M23 fighters against the Wazalendo since Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in several sectors—notably around Kasake, Shovu, and Ngungu. According to various local sources, including civil society representatives, residents of Ngungu were rounded up by force early in the morning in the settlement of Shovu, located south of the agro-pastoral town of Ngungu. They were then reportedly moved toward Kasake as the Wazalendo advanced into the area. The same sources state that these civilians—including young people and the elderly—were positioned near the combat lines. The rebels reportedly believe this presence serves to limit the use of drones by government forces and the Wazalendo. According to these accounts, the Wazalendo subsequently withdrew about three kilometers in response to the arrival ...

In response to repeated attacks on their positions and the killing of civilians by M23 rebels allied with Rwanda, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Wazalendo succeeded in routing the rebels and seizing control of Shanje, Kahira, Lubano, Chamilonge, Kavumu, and the major mining town of #Numbi this Tuesday, October 6, 2026. These localities and towns captured on Tuesday join others retaken between October 3 and Monday, October 5, 2026—specifically Mpanama, Kafufula, Katale, Katoke, Bikari, Chambombo, Bishaka, Bishovu, Igali, and Lumbishi. The recapture of these areas by the Wazalendo and FARDC demonstrates the M23 rebels' inability to survive without support from the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF), particularly across such a vast area and in the face of popular resistance against this war of aggression. According to several sources, Rwandan troops have been concentrating in the Rubaya and Twangiza mines and other areas within the Minembwe highlands...

Intense clashes have been reported since Tuesday morning in Kasake, Katoyi-Centre, and Ngululu between Rwanda-allied M23 rebels and the Wazalendo. It should be noted that the Kasake referred to here is located in Masisi territory and must not be confused with the town of Sake, which lies 27 km from Goma. Also this Tuesday morning, Rwanda-allied M23 rebels rounded up males—including youths, children, and the elderly—in Ngungu and are taking them to Kasake and Shovu, near the front lines. "Using civilians with no military training as human shields in this war is a war crime and a serious violation of international humanitarian law," lamented a prominent figure from Ngungu, who urged civilians to flee and distance themselves from the M23, Rwanda's proxies. Reacting to rebel attacks targeting their positions and populations, after intense fighting, the Wazalendo have just taken control of the city of Shanje, the town of Gasenda and the hills of Bukumba in the territory of Kal...

GENERAL BAUDOUIN MISSING—IS THE M23 FACING AN INTERNAL POWER STRUGGLE? Tensions within the M23 are taking a new turn. According to reports ;  a plot to undermine General Sultani Makenga’s authority has reportedly been thwarted, exposing deep rifts within the movement's military and political leadership. Amidst this situation, General Baudouin Ngaruye—a former close associate of Bosco Ntaganda and a key M23 military figure—is now reported missing. There is also talk of his removal from Makenga’s command structure. Baudouin Ngaruye is among the M23 leaders subject to international sanctions, including those imposed by the UN, the United States, and the European Union. One question remains: what is really happening at the top of the M23? Between rivalries, arrests, leadership changes, and power struggles, the cracks are becoming increasingly apparent. At this rate, those who claimed to speak with a single voice may first have to settle scores among themselves.