FARDC and Wazalendo Capture Kibahi After Seizing Kinigi in Push Toward Rubaya

Heavy fighting continued on Thursday, May 21, between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, backed by Wazalendo fighters, and the AFC/M23 in the Katoy sector of Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province.

According to local sources, government-aligned forces recaptured at least three villages from AFC/M23 rebels following the fall of Kinigi earlier this week. The villages reportedly retaken include Nyakigano near Ngungu, Kawere, and Chugi.

The advances bring the FARDC-Wazalendo coalition closer to the strategic mining town of Rubaya after regaining control of several other localities in the Katoy sector, including the centers of Gasenyi and Nkokwe near Kinigi.

Sources on the ground said clashes remain intense around 15 kilometers from Kibabi, where heavy and light weapons fire could still be heard on Thursday.

Since the beginning of the week, the FARDC-Wazalendo alliance has intensified military operations aimed at pushing AFC/M23 rebels out of key positions in the Katoy sector, with several villages reportedly changing hands during the offensive.