General Olivier Gasita,the new commander of operations in Manyema /kindu region as Congolese remain annoyed accusing him of abandoning Bukavu during the M23 attack

 

How can General Olivier Gasita, who was commander of operations in South Kivu when the city of Bukavu fell, now be appointed commander of the Maniema/Kindu region?He was recently summoned to Kinshasha where he was given the new appointment.

Congolese  say that As commander of operations, he should have been summoned to explain why the city of Bukavu was abandoned three days before the arrival of the RDF/M23 forces. Then they'll say tribalism.

Was he rewarded for preventing the soldiers from fighting, or what really happened? 

Who is General Gasita?

He was Lt Gen Pacifique Masunzu's former deputy during his Mai Mai-led rebellion against RDF-RCD forces (2000–2002), Olivier Gasita, has been promoted to Brig Gen and appointed to South Kivu and Maniema, where he will oversee operations and intelligence under the 33rd Military Region.

Like Pacifique Masunzu, Olivier Gasita is a Munyamulenge from South Kivu who fought against RDF-RCD forces before integrating into FARDC in 2003. He also took part in operations against RDF-CNDP (2006  to 2009) under FARDC command.

Olivier Gasita was the military administrator of Yumbi Territory and is credited for bringing peace to Yumbi between the Batende and Banunu communities. He was deployed there as a military sector commander to stop the intercommunal massacres in December 2018.

In 2019, President Félix Tshisekedi appointed him as the military administrator of Yumbi Territory. He has left Yumbi as one of the safest territories in DRC.

The Wazalendo recapture Rugezi,a big lesson and reason to reckon on!

Good morning, good evening, depending on what time you're listening. A decisive turning point has just occurred in South Kivu. The strategic village of Rugezi, the gateway to the last stronghold of the Twirwaneho and their allies, has been recaptured by the Wazalendo with the support of the FA-RDC air force. This victory, the result of a fierce battle, highlights the determination of Congolese patriots in the face of Rwandan aggression and its proxies.

But beyond the military feat, a fundamental question now faces President Félix Tshisekedi: how far will he go to defend the sovereignty of the DRC? And where does he place his true red line with Kagame and the RDF? It is this burning and vital question that we will explore in this analysis.

Rugezi: A Parable of the Congolese Resistance

In this landlocked village in Fizi territory, the people, through their sons and daughters united under the banner of the Wazalendo, have shown that the DRC is not a land abandoned to the appetites of Kigali. The intense and prolonged fighting revealed not only the ferocity of the Twirwaneho, Ngumino, MaiMai Android, and Red Tabara coalition militias, but also their fragility in the face of a popular will united with the regular army.

Rugazi, due to its geographical location, constitutes a strategic barrier providing access to the high plateau of Minembwe and the rear areas of the strongholds of these armed groups. Its recapture therefore marks a military and psychological shift, likely to precipitate the fall of several of Kagame's auxiliary networks.

Local accounts describe a battle that lasted nearly 24 hours, punctuated by repeated assaults and violent retaliation. But the tactical superiority provided by the FA-RDC air force turned the tide. For the first time in a long time, the Rwandan reinforcements, who had attempted to establish a solid defensive line, were decimated in considerable numbers. This demonstrates that, with a combination of popular courage and modern military means, the aggressor is not invincible.

The AFC/M23's angry statement denouncing the attack only confirms the extent of their setback.

A military victory... but a political test

This victory raises a broader, political question that transcends the battlefield: what is Félix Tshisekedi's real red line? For months, Kigali has been multiplying its provocations, advancing its pawns in North and South Kivu, and attempting to manipulate public opinion with the tired argument of protecting local populations.

For now, Kinshasa has oscillated between occasional military responses and diplomatic appeals. The people's patience is eroding. In the streets of Bukavu, Goma, and Kinshasa, a cry is rising: "Mr. President, how far will you let Kagame trample on our territory?"

For many Congolese, the red line has already been crossed: the three-year occupation of Bunagana, massacres in Kishishe, abuses in the Hauts Plateaux, systematic infiltration of the local administration... Each time, the people see the enemy advancing, testing, and nibbling away, while international appeals are limited to verbal condemnations.

The recent history of the DRC, since the 1996 invasions, shows a consistent pattern: Kigali advances as long as Kinshasa hesitates. To ask Tshisekedi about the red line is to invite him to transform Rugezi's one-off victory into a national strategic doctrine.

The Wazalendo: Symbiosis between Army and People

The Battle of Rugezi also illustrates the central role of the Wazalendo. These patriots, drawn from civil society, villages, and towns, fight without regular pay and often with rudimentary resources. Yet, they embody the anger and resilience of a people who reject humiliation.

Their alliance, sometimes spontaneous, with the FARDC demonstrates that national defense can no longer be solely a matter for the general staff. Through Rugezi, a lesson in popular sovereignty is being given. But it is also a warning: if the political authorities delay in clearly drawing their red line, the people risk taking it upon themselves, with all the risks of anarchy that this entails.

Tshisekedi Faces His Historic Dilemma

Félix Tshisekedi is therefore faced with a crucial choice:

• Persist in an approach of diplomatic restraint, at the risk of seeing Kagame consolidate his positions and trivialize the occupation of Congolese territory.

• Cross the line, declare a clear and irrevocable red line, trigger a total mobilization of the nation, and put an end to the ambiguity.

In the history of great nations under attack, this moment of truth always occurs: France in 1940 against Germany, Angola against South African apartheid, Burkina Faso today against terrorism. The DRC has reached its moment of reckoning.

Rugezi must not remain an isolated episode. It must become a symbol, a rallying cry, proof that victory is possible. But for this to happen, we need:

• A clear political vision,

• A coherent military doctrine,

• And above all, a President who fully assumes his responsibility as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

The Red Line: A Sovereignty Issue

What, Mr. President, is your red line?

• Is it Bunagana, Goma, occupied Bukavu?

• Is it Minembwe liberated?

• Is it the RDF's advance to the outskirts of Bukavu?

Or is it, as some fear, a shifting line, retreating according to diplomatic pressure and compromises imposed by the major powers?

If Tshisekedi wants to be remembered as the President who restored Congo's sovereignty, he must transform Rugezi's victory into the starting point for a total reconquest, and not just a blip.The red line he draws—or refuses to draw—will determine the future of Congo and the image he leaves in history.

M23 and Wazalendo clashes in Kibanda today morning

 Clashes between AFC/M23 rebels and the Wazalendo resumed this Friday, August 29, in Kibanda in the Osso Banyungu sector of Masisi territory in North Kivu. 

Since  morning , detonations of heavy and light weapons have been heard in the combat zone.     

According to our sources in the area, it was the third consecutive day of fighting between the belligerents. This situation  created a panic among the residents who were beginning to return to the villages in the Waloa Yungu group, close to the combat zone, to prepare for their children's return to school.

 The security situation remains unclear as the fightings continue.

Our sources located in that area told us that the battle began  27/08/2025, where they fought until nightfall and and  morning 28/08/2025, they fought again.

Our sources also confirmed that the Wazalendo had badly damaged the RDF-M23/RED  in the Twirwaneho/MaiMai Rushaba/Twirwaneho/FNL Nzabampema camp and the Wazalendo had already captured the main strongholds of the RDF terrorists in the Rugezi area.

Reliable information has been received from our sources confirming that in yesterday's battle, 8 RDF-M23/Twirwaneho/Maimai Rushaba/RED Tabara/FNL Nzabampema terrorists were killed and 15 were injured with the battle that contained in Bikarakara.

In these fightings ,many prominent Banyamulenge soldiers are allegedly reported to have been killed in unclear circumstances.

A case of Brigade commander Muhirwa Mustapha, son of Mushapa, a Basinzira resident, was reportedly killed last in the fighting in Rugezi by what they say is FAKE DRONE attack.

One resident in the area has this to say;

"Imagine these DRONEs targeting the Basinzira family only because his death was allegedly caused by him telling Col Sematama that he had betrayed his colleague, Col Makanika.

He was killed by his own people because he had been at odds with Col Sematama for days because Col Mustapha had told Col. Semata without hesitation that he was the one who betrayed Col. Makanika."

This is Col. Mustapha wa RDF / Twirwaneho / Maimai Rushaba Red Tabara / M23 / Fnl He was allegedly killed by tCol. Charles Sematama on blames that he assertively told Col. Sematama Charles That He was one who betrayed Col.Michel Rukunda Makanika.You should  know that this Col.Mustapha was the a close relative of Col. Michael Rukunda Makanika who was  also killed.

The Battalion  commander,Major MUGENZA OF RDF / Twirwaneho / Red Tabara was also killed in these fights .

We  have learned that the days ago ,he and Mustafa told Col. Sematama that he betrayed Col. Makanika.

 MAJOR MUGENZA  was also a close relative of COL.RUkunda MICHEL MAKANIKA.

An ADF incursion on oicha-mamove road

An ADF incursion was reported in a neighborhood on the outskirts of the Beni territorial capital, in Oicha, on the Oicha–Mamove road, on the afternoon of August 26, 2025, during heavy rain.

Faced with this attack, the population was forced to move in the pouring rain.

This incursion comes as the Military Governor of North Kivu, Major General Somo Kakule Evariste, is on a working trip to Oicha to address issues related to the previous ADF attack.

He is accompanied by several elected national and provincial deputies from North Kivu.

Is Prime Niyongabo planning to overthrow president Ndayishimiye?

 

In the GreatLakes region, a rumour of a vast conspiracy is reportedly brewing. Burundian General Primé Niyongabo, allegedly in conjunction with the RPF 🇷🇼 and Congolese officers 🇨🇩, is reportedly aiming to overthrow Ndayishimiye 🇧🇮 and Tshisekedi.

⚔️There are some rumours that In SouthKivu (Uvira, Fizi, Mwenga), Burundian soldiers 🇧🇮 are cooperating with:

👉 RDF/M23

👉 Red Tabara

👉 Twirwaneho

👉 FNL Nzabampema

There is circulating  Sensitive rumour that Some Burundian units have reportedly voluntarily ceded positions to the rebels (RDF/AFC/RED Tabara/M23/Twirwaneho/FNL Nzabampema).

 This plan is allegedly attributed to Primé Niyongabo and officers linked to former President Joseph Kabila, could destabilize the entire region. Burundi and DRC .

Violent clashes as M23 attempts to take on Uvira!

 

Fierce clashes between M23 and Wazalendo in the Burhinyi chiefdom, rebels are attempting to advance towards the city of Uvira

These clashes have been taking place since August 13 between M23 rebels and their allies and self-defense groups known as Wazalendo in the Burhinyi chiefdom, Mwenga territory. The fighting, which began in the village of Kigube, quickly spread to several surrounding towns, plunging the civilian population into a new spiral of fear and displacement.

According to local sources, the hostilities successively spread to Luhindi, Muhuzi, Kangovwa, and Nyabaleke. The rebels then reportedly attempted to cross the Lulindi River, despite the destruction of the bridge connecting Luhindi to the Itombwe sector. Forced to cross on foot, they advanced to the village of Matundu, where they were violently repelled by the Wazalendo.

Witnesses report that several M23 fighters were killed during these clashes. However, rebel reinforcements have reportedly continued to arrive for the past two days, maintaining strong military pressure in the area.

The fighting then split along several fronts. One rebel group is carrying out attacks in the village of Lubumba, while another is attempting to control the center of Kachoka. At the same time, a group composed mainly of Twirwaneho militiamen and FNL/Zabampema elements, who came from the Uvira highlands via Muranvya, is also fighting the Wazalendo in the village of Nabombe.

Exchanges of fire continue in these areas, and the situation remains extremely volatile. According to several security observers, the rebels are now surrounded by the Wazalendo. If their reinforcements were to weaken, they could suffer heavy losses. But if not, a breakthrough would allow them to advance towards the strategic city of Uvira and extend their advance towards the territories of Mwenga, Fizi, and Shabunda.

In the meantime, the civilian populations in these areas live in terror, forced into hiding or fleeing, while the fighting continues to threaten the stability of South Kivu.

Meanwhile, the Congolese army issued a statement denouncing the ceasefire violated by the rebels, and also accused the army of violating it.

How long will Uvira hold on??? How determined is M23 to take on Uvira??

 

Our HUMINT and OSINT collections on the situation around Uvira:👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

By Friday evening,Col. Gakufi of the Twirwaneho/FNL Nzabampema had already arrived in the Uvira territory, Bijombo groupement in Murambya-Kanogo, with several soldiers. He had an objective to take them to Rurambo-Kahololo.

Other information circulated claiming that Col. Gakufi was sent with several soldiers and that after their escort, another attack plan against Uvira and Bujumbura by first taking on the road leading to Ruhuha, Rubarati, and Malimba.

According to their statements, Kivu Morning and journalist Steve Wembi apparently stirrred confusion in the population.They claimed that Bibangwa, Manassé Muller Ruhimbika's village, was under AFC/M23 control.

In reality, Bibangwa is held by the FDNB and local self-defense groups.

In the Kigoma groupement, particularly in Mulenge 1, Mulenge 2, and Lemera, the population remains vigilant, but there has been no mass displacement.

Here again, the clashes mainly involve the Wazalendo against the Burundian FNL militiamen of Nzabampema.

An influential member of the UCAC supports Chief Tete Amisi's version: their forces retain control of several villages around Muranvya and Kageregere, in order to limit the advance of the Twirwaneho.

Some sketches from which we sorrounded some of The Facts

1. This Saturday, the AFC_M23_Twiraneho coalition killed two police officers in the Itombwe sector in Mwenga territory, including the Commander under Ciat Itombwe.

2. The M23 rebels and their allies took away a pastor from the church and two other local residents on Saturday before their release this Sunday, August 24, our local source confirms.

3. The M23 and its allies, coming from Muranvia in the Bijombo group, passing through Kyanzovu, settled in Namaramara in the Basimukinji 2 group, a four-hour walk from Lubumba.

4. A small group of the AFC-M23-Twirwaneho took control of a Asange sub-village in the Lubumba locality, the capital of the Basimukinji 2 group, in the Itombwe sector.

Finally, why include Rugezi in these stories? This village is located well outside the areas mentioned, and there is no justification for its inclusion in this confusing narrative.

What is certain, however, is that the M23/RDF is indeed continuing its push towards Itombwe, gradually placing the Mwenga highlands in its sights.

☑️☑️☑️Situation on the Uvira Saga from the local communities:👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

CLARIFICATIONS ON THE HOAXES AROUND UVIRA, MWENGA, AND FIZI

For several days, rumors have been circulating about the alleged encirclement of the city of Uvira. This type of talk should not be taken lightly: when a group begins to spread this type of information, it is often a sign of real intent behind the words.

It is therefore urgent that the government intervene to put an end to these manipulations.

On August 23, 2025, the Kivumorning post stirred up social media by announcing that the villages of Lubumba, Kitoga, Bibangwa, Kageregere, and Masango had allegedly fallen under the control of the M23/RDF.

A careful verification of the facts reveals a completely different version.

DENIAL FROM THE BIJOMBO GROUP LEADER – MASANGO VILLAGE

When asked about this, the Bijombo groupement leader was clear: Masango was never conquered. He calls these allegations pure fabrication.

The reality on the ground is different: in Masango, the Burundi National Defense Forces (FDNB) and the wazalendo of the UPCB, led by Ilunga Rusesema, are providing the military presence.

On the Malimba side, there are Jean Nalube's UCAC fighters, also supported by elements of the FDNB.

Some accounts report a furtive passage by the M23/RDF through Lubumba, but without occupation.

However, several sources close to the self-defense groups categorically deny this account. They claim that the ongoing fighting is rather between the Wazalendo and Aloys Nzabampema's Burundian FNL militiamen, linked to the Red Tabara movement and supported by Rwanda.

THE KITOGA CASE

Regarding Kitoga, the residents of Uvira themselves refute the idea that it was taken by the M23/RDF. No sign of such a presence has been observed.

Version of the Uvira Saga from the armed men on Frontline:

Violent clashes between the Wazalendo and the M23-RDF-TWIRWANEHO-Red Tabara coalition raged today, Sunday, August 24, in Lubumba.

With the intervention of Burundian militias led by the warlord Nzabampema (FNL), elements of the M23-RDF-TWIRWANEHO coalition managed to escape into the Matundu forest (equatorial rainforest).

Nzabampema and some elements of the Twirwaneho-Red Tabara intervened to free their brothers who had nowhere to flee, but despite this, the clashes continue, and the Wazalendo are determined.

NB: The information from the Rwandan digital army that they have surrounded the town of Uvira and that there is only one way out is false. The city of Uvira borders Burundi, starting at Lake Tanganyika and ending at Katogota.

That is, the territory of Uvira is located:

- To the east by Burundi

- To the west by the Mitumba mountain range (High and Middle Plateaux)

- To the south by the Fizi territory and

- To the north by the border town of Kamanyola because the territory of Uvira is limited to Katogota.

Now, which side of the city of Uvira are the M23 occupying to celebrate the victory or the fall of the city of Uvira?

Let us pray for Uvira!