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They are now gaining grounds, as the FARDC/Wazalendo is losing it. They are retreating and even the Burundian forces have fled back across the borders. As they are seeing the strategical and tactical advances of M23/AFC, which was a reason why the M23 could takeover Bukavu so quickly.
Now they are steaming ahead and now will have control of the Kivu Provinces in totality. This is just one move at the time. The warfare done is deliberate and is clear. They have not only outmanoeuvred, but they are outflanking the FARDC/Wazalendo.
The leaks surrounding General Makenga proved they have drones and other connections to satellites, which means they have an advantage by air and can get an aerial oversight of the frontlines, which is far from what the FARDC/Wazalendo can. That means the sophistication of the warfare is giving M23 an edge.
This is hurting the Kinshasa government and their forces in Eastern Congo. As they are scrambling and are outplayed on a regular basis. That’s why the M23 is moving ahead and able to conquer such vast territories in a short amount of time.
The M23 will now have Uvira, Bukavu and Goma. That is significant and telling. They are now controlling vast areas and urban areas too. Cities and centres of trade, which will benefit the war-economy and the militia itself. The backers will get their profits and get their wealth extracted as a part of it.
Uvira is at a standstill and awaiting the M23 today. That’s really telling and worrisome. Yet another city fallen to M23. Now we can wonder what is their next step and where they want to continue the battle. As the frontlines has moved at such a phase.
FARDC/Wazalendo needs more support, logistical and arms, which can compete with the M23. As they are now continuing to outsmart them, and it is losing their territorial integrity. The FARDC isn’t able to combat it. That shows, as the last few weeks of warfare has proven.
Kinshasa needs to change its stripes. There is a need for a new strategy and new ways of defending the territories. Because M23/AFC and their allies are now taken it with ease. That shouldn’t be the case, but it is. The fastness of the troops and the ability to takeover strategic locations. Just shows how the FARDC/Wazalendo has failed their mission. Certainly, there is a need for emergency meetings, but also new army commanders that can compete with the militia’s ways of manoeuvring. Peace.

“The Congolese government has confirmed the occupation of the city of Bukavu by the M23 rebellion. In a statement published on Sunday, February 16 on the X account of the Minister of Communication and Media, the Government of the DRC said that “the Rwandan army and its auxiliaries (M23) entered this morning” in the capital of South Kivu province” (Radio Okapi – ‘Occupation of Bukavu by the Rwandan army and the M23 confirmed by the Government’ 16.02.2025).
“The Government is doing everything possible to restore order, security and territorial integrity. It calls on the population of Bukavu to stay at home and not expose themselves to avoid being targeted by the occupying forces. Bukavu, Goma and all the other occupied corners in North Kivu and South Kivu are the symbol of our resistance. Let us all remain standing, vigilant, resilient and united in the face of this ordeal behind our armed forces and the President of the Republic, Supreme Commander” (RDC – Ministère de la Communication et Médias, 16.02.2025).
Now the March 23 Movement or M23 have now taken the second largest city in Eastern Congo. They have now within 16 days or three weeks taken both Goma and now Bukavu. They are now cementing itself in the Kivu Provinces. The M23 and the logistical supporters are supplying it enough fire-power to takeover such vast territories.
The M23/AFC now has the cities of Goma of North Kivu and Bukavu of South Kivu. They are now aligned in both provinces and has a long established itself. The FARDC and Wazalendo is losing out. They are ambushed and tactically outmanoeuvred. This is happening after there was reports of more Burundian brigades sent to reinforce the defence of Bukavu and the South Kivu province. However, those soldiers and such wasn’t prepared for the might of M23 at the moment. The momentum is in the hands of M23 and it shows.
The reason why M23 is succeeding in the battles against FARDC/Wazalendo is that the M23 is having aerial advantage. The M23 uses drones and satellites, which gives them an edge to surveillance the enemy and wherever they move. That’s why the M23 knows which pockets to attack and where the enemy is weak. This is really unique and that’s known after leaked orders of General Sultani Makenga has been released online. Which shows the difference between the digital battlefield commando and the navigation of the blind-sided FARDC/Wazalendo.
This war is worsening for the state. The Kinshasa government is inept and needs more logistical support for its army. The FARDC needs a quick fix and needs more tactical supervision, as the M23/AFC is able to outplay it and destroy its front-lines with ease. That’s why it has moved so fast from Goma to Bukavu. I called it on the 31st January that M23/AFC would go for Bukavo and even Beni. Now they went for Bukavu. So, they have consolidated the power and control of the Kivu Provinces by doing this. Therefore, Kinshasa has to act and swiftly. The integrity of the state is failing and the M23/AFC is only solidifying itself. That’s a victory for Kigali and we all know it.
This here is worrying and shows a serious weakness in the FARDC/Wazalendo military commando. The advances are so quickly and we can wonder where the M23/AFC wants to strike next. However, this war is far from over and now its all about establishing itself. They are now getting rid of enemies and such. We have seen that with the murders of activists in association with LUCHA in Goma. Therefore, expect more of that, as the M23/AFC will get rid of the ones who dares to challenge it. We will see more of it… Peace.