M23 Advances to Kabingo and Kamatare

On January 17, 2025, reports indicated that M23(Mouvement du 23-Mars) had advanced to capture Kabingo and Kamatare, located on the border between the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, after retaking Luzirandaka in the Masisi territory, 98 km west of Sake. Additionally, M23 fighters advanced towards the Kalehe territory in South Kivu province, capturing the mining localities of Bihovu and Lumbishi. The FARDC, supported by the Burundian army, capitulated and abandoned the towns of Minova and Kalungu in South Kivu province. Strategically, M23 has a clear view of the city of Goma from the hills overlooking Buzi-Bulenda, opposite Nzulo, in the city of Goma.

The M23 commander met with civil society organizations and OCHA on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Luna Hotel in Minova, South Kivu. Participants included the M23 commander and 26 humanitarian organizations, led by the OCHA head of office. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the humanitarian situation in Minova and actions to improve the security and living conditions of affected populations. During this meeting, various commitments were made, including securing humanitarian actions, suspending movements on Lake Kivu, the upcoming opening of National Road No. 2 to Sake and Goma, restoring electricity and telephone connections in Minova, and the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their areas of origin with the support of humanitarian organizations. Additionally, the M23 commander assured the security of humanitarian workers and their bases, as well as the security of IDP and community property. He authorized humanitarian activities to proceed smoothly and shared his contact number for future communication. Finally, OCHA promised to share the humanitarian meeting schedule.

The meeting allowed for discussions on the main humanitarian challenges in Minova and actions to improve the humanitarian situation. The parties agreed to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of affected populations. The local M23 commander indicated their intention to continue the war throughout the DRC territory and that similar meetings would be held in all entities they would soon liberate.