AFC/M23 Claims Capture of Tushunguti in Kalehe
AFC/M23 reportedly seized Tushunguti in South Kivu’s Kalehe Territory after clashes with FARDC and Wazalendo forces, expanding its control across Ziralo.
The AFC/M23 rebel movement has reportedly seized control of Tushunguti, an area located in Ziralo Groupement, Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province, following intense fighting with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s armed forces (FARDC) and allied Wazalendo fighters.
Sources on the ground said AFC/M23 fighters drove out Wazalendo combatants and other forces aligned with the Kinshasa government before establishing control over Tushunguti.
The strategic importance of Tushunguti lies in its location within Ziralo, near the boundary between South Kivu and North Kivu. The area has been the scene of repeated clashes as rival forces compete for control of key positions across the mountainous terrain.
Fighting reportedly resumed on August 17, 2026, in Tushunguti, Katare, Nyamugari and Kivoka, as FARDC and its allied forces attempted to recover positions previously lost to AFC/M23.
According to a report by Critical Threats, AFC/M23 captured Tushunguti and several surrounding locations—including Kashobo, Katenderi, Kivocat, Matutira and Mutale—on August 18. The following day, the movement reportedly expanded its control further across Ziralo, taking Mianda, Charamba and Lulere.
The developments followed several days of clashes between AFC/M23 and FARDC forces supported by Wazalendo fighters. Fighting had intensified earlier in August as both sides sought to consolidate their positions across strategic areas of Kalehe.
Radio Maendeleo reported that during fighting on August 15 and 16, AFC/M23 recaptured areas including Lumbishi and Chambombo, prompting civilians in several surrounding communities to flee their homes.
The reported capture of Tushunguti could further strengthen AFC/M23’s position in Ziralo and increase pressure on neighboring areas, including Biriko in Walikale Territory.
