Mwenga collapses : M23 advances, South Kivu region on high alert

SOS Médias Burundi

Bukavu, December 2, 2025 – Fierce fighting is shaking Mwenga, located in South Kivu on the border with Burundi. Faced with the rapid advance of the M23, the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Burundian troops are forced into a disorganized retreat, while the civil society denounces looting and logistical chaos. The region remains on high alert, amid military tensions and cross-accusations at the regional level.

After a week of intense fighting in the Mwenga territory, located in South Kivu province bordering Burundi, the positions of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and their Burundian allies collapsed in the face of the advance of the M23 rebel movement, which seized control of several strategic locations.

For several days, the M23 successively occupied Kilungutwe, Kasika, and Kalambi, tightening its grip on this part of South Kivu. On Monday morning, the armed group claimed to be only 5 kilometers from the center of Mwenga, sparking serious concern among residents and local authorities.

Disorganized retreat towards Mwenga, Lwindi, and Kamituga

Faced with the rebel advance, several Burundian and Congolese units were forced to retreat. Some headed towards Lwindi, others towards the center of Mwenga, and still others towards Kamituga.

The wounded, meanwhile, were reportedly evacuated in extremely precarious conditions, transported by motorcycle to Walikale before being flown to Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province, and then on to Bujumbura, according to Burundian soldiers on the ground.

Looting during retreats : the civil society outrage

The civil society in Mwenga denounces disturbing behavior observed during these hasty retreats.

“When some of them flee, they loot shops, fields, and livestock,” testifies a local resident.

These incidents are fueling the anger of the population, already suffering from years of violence.

Difficult logistical conditions for allied troops

Burundian soldiers deployed in the Mwenga territory report major difficulties related to the poor state of the road infrastructure. The contingents deployed in the territories neighboring Uvira and Fizi—particularly in the mountains of Mikalati, Chakira, and Bijombo—face the same challenges.

Due to the lack of passable roads, these soldiers sometimes have to walk for two days to transport food and equipment from Uvira to their positions in the hills.

When supplies run low, some soldiers turn to Congolese villages to buy potatoes, corn, or livestock, a further indication of the logistical fragility of their deployment.

According to a senior officer of the FDNB (Burundi National Defense Force) who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi :

“Of 10 soldiers seriously wounded, at least 8 must die because they are transported on stretchers reserved for first aid over long distances, sometimes crossing the border.”

On several occasions since December 2023, President Évariste Ndayishimiye has stated that :

“The M23 is waging psychological warfare,”

and maintained that it is normal for Burundian soldiers to die in the DRC,

because “they signed up for it,” before calling on civilians to “avoid interfering in the affairs of the security forces.”

A conflict fueled by cross-accusations

The M23, a former Tutsi rebellion that resumed hostilities in late 2021, accuses Kinshasa of failing to respect the reintegration agreements. Congolese authorities, for their part, accuse Rwanda of supporting the rebels.

UN experts—deemed “imposters” by Kigali—claim that approximately 6,000 Rwandan soldiers are deployed in eastern Congo to support the M23, accusations firmly rejected by the Rwandan government.

The M23 is affiliated with the Congo River Alliance (AFC), a political and military movement led by the former president of the CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission), Corneille Nangaa, who believes that “a federal State will be able to meet the needs of the population.”

For its part, Burundi has deployed more than 10,000 soldiers in eastern DRC, fighting alongside the FARDC and local militias supported by Kinshasa, notably the Wazalendo.

But Kigali, in turn, accuses the DRC and Burundi of arming the FDLR, a Rwandan Hutu group composed of genocidal fighters. Kigali claims that they receive uniforms, ammunition, and tactical support—accusations firmly dismissed by Kinshasa and publicly ignored by Gitega.

Diplomacy under pressure : Washington in the crosshairs

Faced with escalating violence, a meeting is scheduled for December 4 in Washington between Presidents Félix Tshisekedi (DRC) and Paul Kagame (Rwanda), as part of regional peace efforts.

During a press conference held on November 27 in Kigali, Mr. Kagame stated:

“A possible meeting in Washington with Tshisekedi and Trump would be a good thing.”

Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Kenyan President William Ruto have also been invited to this meeting.