This development followed battles that began on January 20, 2025, with a coalition of DRC forces, which included Wazalendo militias and Burundian troops.
The capture of the town was strategically important for the militants as the route is frequently used by Burundian forces and members of the Imbonerakure militia travelling northward into North Kivu province to reinforce DRC forces in their fight against M23.
Before seizing Minova, M23 captured several other areas in South Kivu province, including Lumbishi, Numbi, and Shanje, beginning on January 18. All these locations are within Kalehe territory.
The fighting leading up to the fall of Minova prompted many residents to flee, with many heading toward the city of Goma or seeking refuge on Idjwi Island via Lake Kivu.
Separately, on January 20, clashes were reported in areas surrounding the town of Sake, located a short distance from Minova. Reports indicate that M23 forces stationed in Busangara sought to dislodge the DRC coalition forces from their positions in Kimoka.
Kimoka holds significant strategic value, having served as a critical stronghold for the DRC coalition since 2024 in their efforts to protect the city of Goma from falling into M23's control.
M23 aims to end the violence and persecution of Congolese Tutsis carried out by the country's armed forces and allied militias, including the FDLR, a group composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/m23-captures-minova
