Heavy Fighting Erupts in Nzibira as FARDC, Burundian Forces, and Wazalendo Attempt to Retake Area from M23

On Saturday morning, heavy clashes broke out in Nzibira, South Kivu Province, as the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by Burundian troops and Wazalendo militias, launched a major offensive aimed at recapturing the town from the M23 rebel movement.

Local sources reported that heavy artillery is being used in the fighting, with drones deployed to carry out strikes and monitor rebel positions.

Analysts note that Nzibira holds significant strategic and economic importance. Control of the town enables close oversight of Uvira, a key city in eastern Congo. The town also provides access routes to Shabunda and hosts an airstrip used for military drones. Furthermore, Nzibira’s road network could allow M23 to advance toward Kalemie in Tanganyika Province — a development Kinshasa is determined to prevent.

This explains why the Congolese government and its allies are fighting to reclaim Nzibira, in order to drive out M23 and halt its territorial expansion.

M23 seized Nzibira last Sunday after defeating government forces and their allied militias. Days later, the group held a meeting with residents, stating it had taken the town because it had become a staging ground for government attacks against M23 positions.

So far, no detailed reports have emerged on damage or casualties, though the sound of heavy gunfire continues to be heard in the area.