Chiefs of armed forces from the region are in Zambia to discuss the M23 war

 

The extraordinary meeting of the ICGLR on the security situation in the DRC, bringing together army chiefs and defense ministers and currently being held in Livingston (Zambia), aims to forge a unified and coordinated regional response, in accordance with the ICGLR Pact on Security, Stability and Development and the Protocol on Security and Stability. This aligns with the non-aggression and mutual defense pact of this sub-regional organization.

● The defense ministers will assess the security and humanitarian situation on the ground, review the wording of the Joint Verification Mechanism+ (JVM+), and the terms of reference for the ceasefire monitoring and follow-up mechanism signed in Doha, Qatar, on October 14, 2025, between the DRC government and the AFC/M23.

● The EJVM+ is designed to serve as the operational arm of the ceasefire monitoring and enforcement mechanism agreed upon in Doha. It operates within the framework of the existing ICGLR EJVM, with the inclusion of a balanced approach representing the FARDC and the AFC/M23, supported by MONUSCO for logistical support, according to the official ICGLR communiqué.

Fighting in Butembo town as two wazalendo groups clash

 Flames visible from a distance were seen at dawn on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in the city of Butembo, while gunfire had been heard since 4:30 a.m.

According to local sources, these incidents are linked to a retaliatory attack between Wazalendo groups, following the burning of a camp belonging to a group led by a certain Commander Tango Fort in Misugho. This act is attributed to members of a rival group led by a certain Fiston Nzoli.

The exchange of fire was reported on the hills of Majengo and Munzambaye, located within the city. No official casualty figures are yet available, and the authorities had not yet issued a statement at the time of publication.

N.E

Rwanda condemns USA

The Government of the Republic of Rwanda is following with grave concern the recent developments resulting from the military attack carried out by the United States of America against the Bolshevik Republic of Venezuela, in flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

The Rwandan government is deeply concerned by any unilateral action involving the use of armed force against a sovereign state outside of any legitimate multilateral legal framework. Such actions constitute a serious violation of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Rwanda reiterates that respect for international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and effective multilateralism remain the essential pillars of global stability. Any military escalation can only exacerbate tensions, undermine regional peace, and expose civilian populations to unacceptable suffering.

Therefore, the Republic of Rwanda calls upon the United States of America to immediately cease all hostile military action, prioritize political and diplomatic dialogue, and strictly adhere to United Nations resolutions and mechanisms.

Rwanda reaffirms its unwavering commitment to an international community founded on the rule of law, collective responsibility, and the sovereign equality of states, and expresses its solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the face of this aggression.

Violent clashes ongoing on around Uvira

Violent fighting was reported this Saturday, January 3, 2026, in several villages in the territory and near the city of Uvira, in South Kivu province, according to local sources.

The  Wazalendo claim that clashes pit M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan special forces, against the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), in collaboration with the Wazalendo group. The fighting is concentrated particularly in the localities of Kashombe, Lubanda, and Musingwe, specifically in the Katongo and Kigongo areas.

According to our sources, exchanges of fire, involving heavy and light weapons, continued this morning. The intensity of the fighting is such that detonations were heard as far away as the city of Uvira, near the Burundian border.

7 Rwandan soldiers,8 captured Civilians from around the region presented in Kinshasha today morning.

 

Our sources around Gombe has reported to us that the DRC army presented seven Rwandan soldiers (RDF) and eight civilians from neighboring countries in Kinshasa this Saturday morning, all captured during operations in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

Among the captured soldiers were a major and a captain.

You can check if your neighbor or friend is among.

As I finish this writing ,we are making a more serene intelligence follow to know the exact names of the captives.

Starlink writes to UCC clarifying on the importation and usage of its devices in Uganda

 

DRC started its 2 year term in UN security council leadership