The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army (FARDC) carried out airstrikes on Sunday against M23 rebel positions in Masisi and Walikale territories of North Kivu, UN-backed Radio Okapi reported. Strikes were recorded around Mukwengwa, Bibwe, Nyarushamba, Nyenge and Hembe in Masisi’s Bashali chiefdom, and at Peti in Walikale, after two days of fierce clashes between the rebels and FARDC forces allied with pro-government Wazalendo militias.
Local sources also reported rebel reprisals in Mukwengwa and Nyabikeri, with several deaths and homes set ablaze.
The offensive comes amid a broader escalation in eastern Congo, where M23—accused by Kinshasa and the UN of receiving support from Rwanda—has expanded its footprint since early 2025, capturing the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu before advances deeper into North and South Kivu.
Hopes for de-escalation dimmed despite a July declaration of principles signed in Doha between Congo and M23, which laid out steps toward a ceasefire and political process; implementation has since faltered.
Fighting between FARDC, M23 and allied community militias has repeatedly disrupted ceasefire talks in recent weeks, with skirmishes and counter-attacks reported across Masisi and along routes toward Walikale.
Radio Okapi said no official casualty toll was immediately available from Sunday’s strikes.