The March 10, 2025, Congo War Security Review highlights significant advances by M23 in eastern DRC, including vital territorial gains and defections from pro-Congolese militias. Major clashes with FARDC continue as political dynamics shift with U.S. interest in mineral partnerships and a DRC bounty on M23 leaders. The involved regions include North Kivu, where military control is contested, notably around Lubero and Masisi districts.
The Congo War Security Review provides significant updates on the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between M23 rebels and pro-Congolese government forces. As of March 10, 2025, M23 has made strategic gains towards Walikale district after capturing a pivotal town, resulting in the defection of multiple militia factions to M23. This shift has severely undermined the capabilities of the Congolese army (FARDC) in northern North Kivu. Furthermore, the U.S. has expressed openness to mineral partnerships with the DRC government.
M23 has welcomed around three pro-Congolese militia factions into its alliance—specifically the Mai-Mai Kabidon, elements of Mai-Mai Kifuafua, and the Mapenzi faction of NDC-R/M—creating the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC). These breakaway factions are reportedly mobilizing towards Kasugho village, enhancing M23’s operational objectives in the region. The local media indicated that the FPP-AP, a robust faction within the Congolese military landscape, has significantly impacted FARDC’s capacity to thwart M23’s advances in Lubero district.
In confrontations within the Southern Axis, FARDC engaged with M23-aligned groups prompting air attacks on March 10. Reliable sources indicated multiple conflicts near Minembwe town, where FARDC successfully employed aerial operations against rebel positions. The DRC has been decisively working to reclaim lost territories following M23’s strategic captures in late February, leading to on-ground skirmishes that continue to evolve.
M23’s recent victories include capturing a significant crossroads town, further consolidating its influence over Masisi district and expanding into Walikale district. By capturing Nyabiondo, they have disrupted pro-Congolese forces’ access routes, signaling a critical shift in control dynamics. As M23 maneuvers towards Kashebere, the implications for conflict escalation in the region remain profound.
In terms of political developments, the U.S. Department of State has signified willingness for mineral cooperation with the DRC. This has echoed President Félix Tshisekedi’s prior public engagements regarding Western stakeholders’ involvement in DRC’s mineral resources, a strategic component in U.S.-DRC relations. As part of increased measures against M23, the Congolese government announced rewards for information leading to the capture of key M23 leadership figures, demonstrating a proactive approach to managing the current security situation.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC is characterized by substantial territorial advances by M23, particularly marked by the recent incorporations of pro-Congolese militias into their fold. The shifting power dynamics pose critical challenges for the FARDC amidst intensified confrontations and the burgeoning association of external global powers seeking to engage in resource-related negotiations. Active military engagements and political maneuvers continue to shape the prospects for resolution in this entrenched conflict.
Original Source: www.criticalthreats.org
