The attack occurred during the night of July 24 to 25, 2025, when Wazalendo launched an offensive on M23 positions in Luke and Katobotobo, both located in the Nyamaboko I groupement. The operation aimed to reclaim the contested zones from rebel control.
According to a medical worker at the Luke health center, the fighting resulted in at least 11 deaths, including eight civilians.
'We have confirmed 11 fatalities, among them eight civilians. Twenty-one others are wounded and are being treated locally, as it is currently impossible to transfer them to Kinigi or Masisi due to ongoing clashes,' the health worker said.
In response to the attack, M23 forces pushed back the Wazalendo units and extended their control to Mulema, a strategic area near Waloa Yungu in Walikale Territory.
As of July 25, Wazalendo fighters are said to be regrouping along the outskirts of Masisi Territory, near the Walikale border, according to sources from North Kivu Province.
The renewed fighting comes as peace talks are expected to begin in early August 2025 in Qatar. The negotiations aim to address the root causes of the conflict in eastern DRC and are based on a framework agreement signed by both the M23/AFC and the Congolese government on July 19.
The agreement includes a commitment from both sides to observe a permanent ceasefire and work toward a political resolution to the conflict.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/m23-captures-mulema-after-clashes-with-wazalendo-in-eastern-drc
