M23 Group Captures Luvungi After Days of Intense Fighting in South Kivu

The M23 rebel movement on Saturday, December 6, seized control of Luvungi, a strategic locality in South Kivu province, after driving out a coalition of forces loyal to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government.

The takeover followed five days of heavy fighting pitting M23 against units of the Congolese army (FARDC), Burundian troops (FDNB), and Wazalendo militia fighters. The clashes intensified throughout the week as government forces and their allies attempted to maintain control over the area.

Following their retreat from Luvungi, the coalition forces reportedly fled toward Sange and the city of Uvira, according to sources on the ground. Local residents said the withdrawal appeared disorganized, with some fighters abandoning equipment as they attempted to escape advancing M23 units.

Luvungi fell to M23 in broad daylight on Saturday, marking another significant territorial gain for the group. Earlier the same morning, AFC/M23 forces had captured Rurambo, a mountainous zone in Uvira territory, tightening their grip across several parts of South Kivu.