Acidic Security

 Kalev Mutond, the former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) under Joseph Kabila, died this Monday in Paris, according to a family source. Originally from South Katanga, he rose through the ranks of the ANR before taking charge of the agency in October 2011. He held the position for nearly eight years—an exceptionally long tenure at the helm of Congolese intelligence. A close associate of Joseph Kabila, Kalev Mutond was considered a key figure in the former regime's security apparatus and was nicknamed the "super cop." He was sanctioned by the United States in 2016 and subsequently by the European Union in 2017, notably in connection with allegations of human rights violations. Following the 2019 political transition, he also faced legal proceedings in the DRC over alleged acts of torture and arbitrary arrests. The wanted notice issued against him was suspended in August 2023.

  Early this Monday morning 05/10/2026, after intense fighting against the M23 rebels allied with Rwanda, the young volunteers Wazalendo have successively taken control of the settlements of Changayi, Ruseme and Kasheke in the Nyamaboko1 group, in the Osso Banyungu sector in the territory of Masisi. These positions recovered by the Wazalendo this Monday allow to tighten the noose again on Katoyi-Centre, the capital of the Katoyi sector.

Following intense clashes that began at 3:00 a.m. this Sunday, the Wazalendo took control of the village of Mushongi—located less than 7 km from the center of katoyi in Masisi territory—by 6:00 a.m. The mitimingi position—which, according to several sources, the Wazalendo are struggling to capture—remains the key to seizing control of the Katoyi sector. Since September, and continuing through the morning of Sunday, October 4, the Wazalendo have repeatedly requested air support from the DRC armed forces to advance, but without success. In Kalehe territory, South Kivu province, M23 rebels (allied with Rwanda) and the Wazalendo have been clashing since this morning in Kafufula, Chambombo, and Kashovu. Our intelligence on the ground is working to provide a timely  update on the progress of these battles. Yes,it is true that Military positions are changing rapidly in several sectors. But "retaken" locality does not necessarily mean that one side has secured lasting control over th...

Following intense clashes between the Congolese army (FARDC)—supported by the Wazalendo—and opposing forces, the latter successfully drove the Rwandan army out of Rugezi Center this Saturday, October 3, 2026. The "coalition of evil" (M23-AFC-RED-TABARA) had reportedly held control of the area since 2023, sowing death and looting civilian property; however, thanks to the determination and bravery of the Congolese army (FARDC and Wazalendo), state authority and peace have been restored in Rugezi.In this battle for Rugezi, within the Fizi territory, the Wazalendo fighters of General Ngomanzito’s FABB/BISHAMBUKE group have succeeded in retaking the entire area. For approximately two to three years, the M23 had occupied the Rugezi town center—a strategic location where significant mining activity had been reported. During this period, the Wazalendo already controlled other parts of Rugezi. After several attempts to retake the center, FABB/BISHAMBUKE fighters finally succeeded—star...

The M23 rebels' joy in Remeka ultimately lasted only seven days. In response to rebel attacks, Wazalendo youth volunteers drove out the M23 rebels—allied with Rwanda—this Saturday, October 3, 2026, thereby regaining control of Muhororo, Remeka, and Nyamiri in the Masisi territory (Ufamandu 1 grouping, Bahunde chiefdom). This counter-move by the Wazalendo demonstrates the resilience and courage of these young volunteers in rising up to face challenges, despite the non-interventionist stance of the FARDC and its commanders in the area. Many observers hope that FARDC operations commanders and the military high command will assist the Wazalendo in consolidating their position and protecting civilians, who had spent over a week under bombardment by kamikaze drones deployed by the M23 rebels and their allies.

   A recent report by Visual Capitalist, based on data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), highlights key findings regarding global and regional trends in military drone imports across Africa. Nine African countries imported a total of 107 major military drones, representing a tiny fraction of the 16,822 major military drones recorded globally during the same period. Key African importers include: the DRC, which received 29 drones (ranking 1st in Africa and 12th globally), deploying Chinese-made CH-4 Rainbow drones against M23 rebels; and Sudan, which received 17 drones—employing systems such as the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and heavier models like the Akıncı—to combat separatist and jihadist groups. Other importers include Burkina Faso and Morocco (10 each), Niger and Nigeria (7 each), and Algeria and Kenya (6 each). The DR Congo, Sudan, and Mali are Africa’s largest importers of military drones, while the United States and Iran supply opposing side...

According to reports from the field, Wazalendo fighters from the FPDC-ML faction led by Lieutenant-General Mtetezi 2 Olivier Bolingo—in coalition with the FARDC—reportedly repelled an attack launched by Twirwaneho and Red Tabara elements. These groups are described in the reports as allies of the M23-AFC, backed by Rwanda. 📍 The clashes reportedly took place  near Kanguli, along the  – Point Zéro axis. According to the same sources, the opposing fighters are attempting to advance toward Até Avocat to relieve the pressure surrounding Minembwe, where fighting is ongoing. 💥 82mm and 120mm mortar fire was reportedly used during the clashes. Fighting is said to be continuing as Wazalendo and FARDC forces press on with their operations in the area.