Reports indicate that the fighting is concentrated southwest of Masisi town, particularly in Nyamaboko I groupement, where AFC/M23 fighters are mainly facing Wazalendo militias supporting FARDC.

The clashes intensified after AFC/M23 captured Ngululu and advanced towards Humura and Kazinga. The advance has brought fighting and pressure closer to Kyumba and Langira in Walikale Territory.

A separate front has emerged south of Masisi, in Ufamandu I groupement, where AFC/M23 controls the areas of Miko, Kaleta and Remeka.

Wazalendo fighters are attempting to retake some of these positions, which are about 15 kilometres from Biriko, one of the first towns reached on the route into Walikale.

Further north, FARDC and Wazalendo fighters are seeking to push AFC/M23 from Chad Hill, Kasumba and the village of Kazumba. Reports indicate that AFC/M23 has deployed additional fighters to reinforce its positions in Ihula.

East of Walikale town, AFC/M23 is also strengthening its positions in Kashebere and Kibati, where its fighters face government forces deployed along the Mungazi-Kibua line.

Fighting has also continued in the highlands of Fizi, Uvira and Mwenga territories in neighbouring South Kivu Province.

In those areas, FARDC and Wazalendo fighters are engaged in clashes with AFC/M23 and the Twirwaneho armed group, which is aligned with the coalition.

AFC/M23, which has cited the marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and poor governance as reasons for its armed struggle, says it is continuing to defend its positions, particularly around an area known as Point Zéro.