Acidic Security

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.

 The panel of five former African heads of state acting as high-level facilitators appointed by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to accelerate the peace process in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected in the city of Goma this Monday, October 5, 2026, in the morning. These former heads of state will meet with the political-military leaders of the AFC-M23 rebel movement supported by Rwanda. These five personalities are participating in the mediation led by Faure Gnassingbé, president of Togo and mediator of the African Union in this conflict in DRC.

  1st Conference of African Defence Chiefs on Military Operations Other Than War at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala. The 1st Conference of African Defence Chiefs on Military Operations Other Than War is underway at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala. Under the theme, “Strengthening Adaptive Noncombatant Military Response to Emerging Complex Security Threats in Africa,” Defence Chiefs from across the continent are convening to share experiences and strengthen collective responses to Africa’s evolving security environment. Theme: Strengthening Adaptive Noncombatant Military Response to Emerging Complex Security Threats in Africa. Date: 5-8 October 2026