AFC/M23 Reports Heavy Fighting in Minembwe, Masisi and Walungu
AFC/M23 says FARDC, FDLR, Wazalendo, foreign mercenaries and Burundi forces launched coordinated attacks in North and South Kivu on August 27, 2026.
Forces aligned with the government in Kinshasa are reportedly retreating toward the Shabunda forest after renewed fighting between government-backed forces and AFC/M23-affiliated fighters in several areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The development follows claims by AFC/M23 that government-aligned forces launched coordinated attacks on Thursday, August 27, 2026, across several locations in North and South Kivu.
In a statement released on Thursday, AFC/M23 said the offensive involved the Congolese army (FARDC), FDLR fighters, Wazalendo groups, foreign mercenaries and the Burundian Defence Force (FDNB).
The coalition alleged that the attacks targeted areas with significant civilian populations, resulting in deaths and forcing families to flee their homes.
According to AFC/M23, fighting began at around 6:00 a.m. in Nzibira, Kishadu and Chulwe, in Walungu Territory, South Kivu.
At approximately the same time, the coalition said fighting intensified around Gatoyi in Masisi Territory, North Kivu.
AFC/M23 further claimed that at around 7:30 a.m., government-aligned forces used heavy weapons and armed drones to attack positions around Point Zéro, Nyaruhinga and Mukoko in the Minembwe area.
The coalition said its fighters responded by engaging the attacking forces, claiming that the objective was to protect civilians and establish a security zone for local residents.
Amid the fighting, reports indicate that government-aligned Congolese forces have been seen crossing the Kibandamangumo Bridge and fleeing toward the Shabunda forest.
