M23 Warns of Imminent War as FARDC Troops Flood Eastern DRC

Significant military build-ups are ongoing in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where over 7,000 FARDC soldiers, supported by an as-yet-unidentified coalition of forces, have been deployed to Kalemie, the capital of Tanganyika Province. Their ultimate target is reportedly Uvira, a strategic city in South Kivu near the borders with Rwanda and Burundi.

This large-scale deployment has sparked speculation: “Is this the start of a major offensive to recapture Bukavu and Goma, cities currently threatened or partially controlled by M23/AFC?”

According to mediacongo.net, troops are being moved through Kalemie in the south — a sign of a new tactical approach using alternative routes, as the direct road via North Kivu remains inaccessible.

The Uvira-Fizi corridor, an area long marred by insecurity, is now reportedly being used as a rear base for troop assembly and potential operations in the Hauts-Plateaux and along the Bukavu-Goma axis.

Military sources cited by RFI and TV5 Monde say this troop movement is part of a broader plan to gradually reclaim territory and push back M23 positions, which have strengthened in recent months.

Meanwhile, M23-AFC, accused of receiving military and logistical support from Rwanda, continues to regroup and fortify its positions in Rutshuru, Masisi, and the outskirts of Sake, while stepping up attacks in the south.

In a recent statement, the AFC/M23 coalition condemned the “massive deployment of FARDC war weapons” along multiple fronts, warning that a major war could erupt at any time.

These developments unfold as both parties prepare for a new round of peace talks, aimed at de-escalating the conflict and restoring stability in eastern Congo.