Acidic Security

 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

 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.