Heavy Fighting Erupts Between M23 Rebels and Government Forces in Nyabyondo

Intense fighting broke out early Monday, October 20, between AFC/M23 rebels and the coalition of Congolese government forces in Nyabyondo, a small town in Masisi territory, North Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to local reports, clashes began around 1:00 a.m., when pro-government Wazalendo militias launched coordinated attacks on M23 defensive positions. Residents said heavy and light weapons fire echoed throughout the night, forcing many civilians to flee their homes in panic.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as families sought safety in nearby forests and neighboring villages. “The fighting started suddenly in the middle of the night. We could hear explosions everywhere,” said one resident contacted by phone.

Security sources aligned with the Kinshasa government confirmed that the offensive was aimed at dislodging M23 from Nyabyondo, a strategic town that the rebel group has controlled since March this year.

The escalation underscores the fragile situation in Masisi territory, where both sides have maintained heavily fortified positions despite diplomatic efforts to enforce a ceasefire.

As of Monday afternoon, sporadic gunfire was still being reported around Nyabyondo, though the full extent of casualties and damage remains unclear.