M23 Advances in Masisi as FARDC Withdraws Toward Walikale
AFC/M23 claims to have captured several areas in Masisi Territory as FARDC forces and allied armed groups reportedly retreat toward Walikale.
The AFC/M23 armed group on Thursday, August 20, 2026, claimed to have captured several areas in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, following renewed clashes with Congolese government forces and allied armed groups.
According to information attributed to AFC/M23, the group took control of Gashovu, Kabona, Kigali, Katugunda, Lemeka, Kadahandwa and Miruta during the fighting.
Col. Nsabimana Mwengangabo Samuel, an AFC/M23 military commander responsible for operations in Masisi, reportedly said FARDC troops and allied armed groups withdrew toward Biriko after suffering setbacks on the battlefield before continuing toward Walikale Territory.
The developments come amid continued fighting in Masisi, one of the areas in North Kivu that has remained a major flashpoint in the conflict between AFC/M23 and forces aligned with the Congolese government, including the Wazalendo militia network and other groups supporting Kinshasa.
The renewed clashes have also raised concerns over the humanitarian situation, with civilians repeatedly forced to leave their homes in search of safer areas as fighting intensifies.
AFC/M23 already controls several strategically important areas in Masisi, including Rubaya, a major mining area known for its deposits of coltan and other minerals.
