AFC/M23 regains control of Remeka as fighting intensifies in Masisi

AFC/M23 fighters have reportedly regained control of Remeka in Masisi Territory, North Kivu, following a night-time military operation against positions held by forces aligned with the Congolese government.

The reported development came after intense fighting in the Ufamandu area, where control of several strategic locations has shifted repeatedly between AFC/M23 and government-aligned forces in recent weeks.

According to information, AFC/M23 commandos launched an operation during the night of September 23, targeting positions held by FARDC and allied fighters. The report said the operation resulted in casualties among the government-aligned forces before AFC/M23 re-established control over Remeka the following day.

The recapture was also reportedly acknowledged by North Kivu Deputy Governor Ngarambe Manzi Willy in a post on X.

The development marks another reversal on a frontline that has witnessed rapid changes in territorial control. Critical Threats Project reported that government-aligned forces had captured Remeka on September 15 after clashes with AFC/M23, before advancing toward several nearby positions, including Miko, Katuunda, Kaleta, Miano, Muhororo and Kasake.

Those advances had pushed AFC/M23 forces back toward Ngungu, while fighting continued across the southern Masisi axis.

Remeka's strategic importance

Remeka is situated along an important network of routes connecting parts of southern Masisi with Walikale Territory. Its location gives whoever controls the area access to several routes leading toward Waloa Loanda and other positions along the Masisi-Walikale frontier.

Critical Threats Project assessed that the capture of Miko and Remeka by government-aligned forces in mid-September was significant because the two locations provide access to routes leading toward Waloa Loanda in Walikale.