The small town of Kazinga, located in the Butsike area, Nyamaboko 1 Groupement, in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, was captured by AFC/M23 fighters on Sunday, September 6, 2026, following heavy fighting with the Congolese army, FARDC, and allied Wazalendo fighters.
Sources in the area said the fighting began on Saturday, when AFC/M23 fighters launched attacks on Wazalendo positions in the Osso Banyungu area.
Kazinga is considered one of the strategically important areas in the region. Its capture follows the seizure of several other locations in Nyamaboko 1 Groupement.
These areas include Shango, Mahanga and Katsihiro, as well as Humura, a location known for its commercial activities.
The fighting has continued to raise concerns among civilians, with some residents reportedly fleeing their homes due to insecurity.
Following the clashes around Kazinga, FARDC troops and Wazalendo fighters reportedly withdrew towards Kishee, an area located south of Nyamaboko 1 Groupement, according to Actualite.cd.
Although the intensity of the fighting may have decreased, the security situation in Osso Banyungu remains volatile.
Continued armed-group activities and shifting front lines are raising fears that more civilians could be forced to flee their homes.
Rwandatribune.rw
