M23 rebels and their partners seized back the Luhago groupement area in South Kivu after battles with local Wazalendo militia units on Saturday, according to people living in the region. The March 23 Movement fighters reclaimed villages such as Bwegerera, Irega, and Katsoba during morning combat that sent residents fleeing toward Mashango. A civil society representative confirmed the armed group had reasserted its presence after driving out the community defenders, with Congolese military personnel apparently absent from the fighting.
The advance extends rebel influence deeper into South Kivu beyond traditional bases in North Kivu province. More than seven million people have fled their homes across eastern Congo as violence continues to spread. French leader Emmanuel Macron said earlier this week that Goma airport would accept aid flights again, but M23 dismissed the plan as biased while accusing government forces of attacking civilian areas under rebel administration.
Kinshasa and United Nations officials say Rwanda supports the militia, claims Kigali denies, while pointing to Congolese cooperation with FDLR forces linked to the 1994 genocide. Analysts worry the territorial gains may derail peace negotiations happening through the Doha and Luanda diplomatic channels.
The advance extends rebel influence deeper into South Kivu beyond traditional bases in North Kivu province. More than seven million people have fled their homes across eastern Congo as violence continues to spread. French leader Emmanuel Macron said earlier this week that Goma airport would accept aid flights again, but M23 dismissed the plan as biased while accusing government forces of attacking civilian areas under rebel administration.
Kinshasa and United Nations officials say Rwanda supports the militia, claims Kigali denies, while pointing to Congolese cooperation with FDLR forces linked to the 1994 genocide. Analysts worry the territorial gains may derail peace negotiations happening through the Doha and Luanda diplomatic channels.
