FARDC, supported in this battle by various military groups including the Wazalendo alliance, launched attacks aiming to reopen the road connecting Sake and Minova, which has been under the control of M23 fighters for a long time.

It is reported to be a severe conflict that could potentially lead to the displacement of residents in Sake and its outskirts, primarily due to the heavy weaponry being utilized by FARDC.

On 26 March, the fighting had continued in the area of Bibwe located in Bashali Mokoto within the same territory. M23 fighters captured the area of Nyange, which is about 10 kilometers from the Bibwe center.

Following their repulsion of FARDC attacks in the Kibumba groupment at the end of last week, there was no combat reported on 26 March, the same as in Sake.

Since February 2024, M23 has controlled the hills surrounding Sake and areas towards Minova, including Shasha. FARDC has attempted numerous attacks on this group aiming to reclaim these areas, but to no avail.

M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, warned earlier this month that if FARDC and its supporting forces continue to fire into these areas, their fighters will also seize the town of Sake.