The town of Nzibira, in the Kaniolla group of Walungu Territory, has come under the control of the AFC–M23 after what the movement described as a successful military sweep by its “Sarambwe Lions” unit on Sunday, 21 September 2025.
In the wake of the takeover, the Administrator of Walungu Territory, Ms. Nshengamungu Buhendwa Anastasie, appeared in Nzibira on Friday, 26 September, alongside General Bernard Byamungu, to address local residents.
Ms. Nshengamungu—identified as a senior figure within the AFC/M23—urged young people from Walungu and especially Nzibira to join the group’s armed wing, the ARC (Congolese Revolutionary Army), which she said is committed to the well-being of the Democratic Republic of Congo and to liberating the Congolese people by removing the illegitimate regime in Kinshasa.
She also called on Wazalendo militias and FARDC (national army) soldiers who fled during the fighting to surrender and integrate into the ARC for professional training.
At the same time, Ms. Nshengamungu appealed to residents who had fled the violence to return home, assuring them that peace now prevails and that AFC–M23 forces are protecting civilians and their property in all liberated zones.
Concluding her address, the administrator called on the wider population of Walungu to give unwavering support to the revolutionary movement by taking part in Salongo—community clean-up activities—every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., stressing that the country’s transformation depends on everyone’s commitment.
The situation in Nzibira marks a significant shift in the control of South Kivu, highlighting the continuing volatility in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
