Heavy fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has seen M23 rebels seize the strategic locality of Nzibira, along with its airstrip, in a new push deeper into South Kivu.
The airstrip, previously under the control of the Congolese army (FARDC), served as a vital logistical hub in the region.
The offensive began on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Walungu Territory, where M23 fighters clashed with FARDC troops and their allied Wazalendo militia.
Despite a ceasefire agreement signed in Doha earlier this year, the fighting rapidly escalated, spreading fear across multiple communities and triggering mass civilian displacement.
Local sources report that the M23 advance has been marked by coordinated strikes, including the use of drones, which heavily targeted Cagala, Murali, Mwirama, and Nzibira.
The attacks forced hundreds of families to flee, with many seeking refuge in Budodo, Cisaza, and Mugaba.
Nzibira’s capture is strategically significant. Situated on the road toward Shabunda’s administrative center, the town is also rich in valuable minerals, making it an economic prize.
The rebels’ latest advance follows earlier gains in Kanyola and other parts of Walungu, suggesting a calculated push to secure control over resource-rich corridors.
Eyewitnesses say the fighting around Nzibira was intense, with M23 forces pressing forward in waves, forcing FARDC and Wazalendo units to withdraw.
By the end of the weekend, M23 units were reported to be advancing toward Shabunda’s main town.
The provincial government of South Kivu has accused M23 of flagrantly violating the ceasefire, while FARDC officials have remained tight-lipped on the extent of their losses.
Civil society leaders warn that continued rebel advances could deepen the humanitarian crisis in South Kivu, where displacement camps are already stretched beyond capacity.
The latest developments underline the fragility of the Doha peace process and the volatility of the conflict in eastern DRC, where shifting frontlines continue to threaten both security and humanitarian stability.