DRC: Intense clashes erupt in Sake and Mweso

By The Inspirer.

Fierce fighting between the M23 rebel group and a coalition of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), FDLR, and Wazalendo militias escalated in the cities of Sake and Mweso, located in the Masisi Territory, on January 25, 2025.

The coalition launched a series of attacks on M23 positions, aiming to dislodge the group from its strongholds. A reporter close to the frontline noted that despite these efforts, the M23 has managed to retain control of both Sake and Mubambiro since the fighting began on January 23.

“The fighting continued today around the outskirts of Sake. Unfortunately, the rebels still hold Sake and Mubambiro,” the journalist reported.

Telesphore Mitondeke, a leader of a civil society organization in Masisi, told Actualité newspaper, “There has been intense gunfire, causing widespread fear among civilians. FARDC and Wazalendo are attempting to reclaim control over key territories.”

Peacekeeping forces from the United Nations (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SAMIDRC) are also involved in the conflict, providing support to the DRC military coalition. MONUSCO and SAMIDRC’s primary focus is on expelling M23 fighters from Sake and securing the city of Goma, which lies on its outskirts.