This review details escalating conflict developments in Eastern DRC as M23 secures strategic gains and receives militia reinforcements, directly impacting government control efforts. Significantly, the US shows interest in a minerals partnership with the DRC, coupled with local bounties on M23 leaders, reflecting a complex interplay of military and political dynamics.
The Congo War Security Review provides a daily update on the conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), focusing on the interactions between M23, supported by Rwanda, and the pro-Congolese government forces. Data is compiled up to March 10, 2025. Users can request map shapefiles via email and follow updates on various social media platforms.
Recent developments indicate that M23 has made notable advancements toward the Walikale district, capturing a key town that serves as a strategic entry point. Three pro-Congolese militia factions in North Kivu have defected to support M23, significantly undermining the Congolese army’s operational strength in the region. Furthermore, the US State Department expressed openness to a minerals partnership with the DRC government.
In the northern axis, three Wazalendo militia groups joined M23’s Alliance Fleuve Congo on March 9, with reports of a coalition mobilizing towards Kasugho village, expanding M23’s influence. The defection of these factions is detrimental to the Congolese army efforts to counter M23’s advancement in northern regions. Local media highlighted the military significance of the FPP-AP’s involvement due to its previously established dominance in the Lubero district.
In the southern axis, clashes occurred near Minembwe town as FARDC forces engaged M23-aligned Twirwaneho and RED Tabara rebels. The FARDC also utilized air strikes against these positions on March 10, indicating escalated military activity in the area, especially after recent territorial gains by the rebels.
The northwest axis saw M23 seize a vital crossroads town, enabling its control and facilitating further advances into Masisi and Walikale districts. Their successful capture of Nyabiondo on March 9 cuts off access for Congolese forces and places them strategically along key supply routes to mineral-rich areas.
In the southwest, no significant changes have been reported.
In political developments, the US reiterated potential interest in a minerals partnership with the DRC, coinciding with President Tshisekedi’s invitation for US and EU involvement in the DRC’s mineral wealth. The Congolese government announced a bounty on senior M23 officials, reflecting heightened tensions and ongoing government efforts to rein in M23’s influence.
The March 10, 2025, Congo War Security Review outlines significant developments in the ongoing conflict between M23 and pro-Congolese forces in Eastern DRC. Key militia defections to M23, state-backed airstrikes, and political overtures from the US highlight an increasingly complex situation. The capture of essential strategic locations by M23 suggests continued military challenges ahead for Congolese forces and raises considerations about international mineral partnerships involving the DRC.
Original Source: www.criticalthreats.org
