Friday War Update: FARDC Advances in Walikale and Masisi

Kinshasa, Sept. 19, 2025 — The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by Wazalendo fighters, have scored new gains this week in the fight against the AFC/M23 rebellion in North Kivu.

Luola Captured After Fierce Fighting

On the night of September 17, FARDC launched a heavy assault on rebel positions in the village of Luola, Banakindi locality, Walikale territory. After intense clashes, Congolese forces successfully dislodged the rebels, forcing them to retreat toward Mpety, their main stronghold in the area.

Witnesses report that as the rebels fled, they burned their camp in the abandoned village. The fall of Luola follows the recent recapture of Katobi, and together these advances are tightening the noose around Mpety, a strategic base the rebels have held for several months.

Air Strikes in Masisi Territory

In parallel, FARDC intensified operations in Masisi territory, targeting rebel positions around Bibwe in the Bashali Mokoto group. Early on Friday, September 19, government forces used warplanes to bombard M23 strongholds in the area, according to local sources.

The strikes sparked panic among residents of surrounding villages, who reported hearing multiple explosions throughout the morning.

Rebel Movements

Regional sources say M23 reinforcements from Kitshanga and Kalembe have regrouped in the villages of Minjenje, Bibwe, Malemo, and Mpety since Thursday. The purpose of this redeployment remains unclear, but analysts note it may signal preparations for counterattacks or an attempt to consolidate defenses against FARDC advances.

The Bigger Picture

This week alone, FARDC has retaken Katobi and Luola, consolidating its presence in Walikale and putting pressure on rebel-held Mpety. While the situation remains tense, these advances mark steady progress for government forces determined to reclaim territory from M23.

For residents of North Kivu, the coming days will be decisive, as FARDC continues to combine ground assaults and air strikes in its campaign to weaken rebel positions.