# M23 insurgency in eastern DRC

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/m23-insurgency-in-eastern-drc
> Updated: 2026-08-03T11:35:39.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, traditional leaders in North Kivu urged the provincial governor to step up military action against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) while heavy fighting erupted between the M23 rebel group and several local militias around Masisi. The clashes displaced civilians and disrupted agriculture and commerce near the Rubaya mine.

A week later, in early August, the conflict’s impact spread to South Kivu’s Fizi region, where authorities imposed a complete internet and telephone shutdown citing security concerns linked to M23 activity. Activists condemned the cut and the seizure of Starlink kits used by NGOs. Government officials denied rumors of M23 presence in certain towns, labeling them misinformation, and emphasized ongoing security operations supported by local Wazalendo groups as part of President Félix‑Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s peace push.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-03: DRC's South Kivu Fizi region faces internet shutdown and disputed M23 rebel reports

In South Kivu's Fizi area, activist Francine Kaliba calls for ending an internet shutdown tied to M23 security concerns, while administrator Kalonji Badibanga Samy dismisses rumors of rebel presence as fake, de

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drcs-south-kivu-fizi-region-faces-internet-shutdown-and-disputed-m23-rebel-reports

### 2026-07-26: North Kivu sees intensified rebel fighting and calls for stronger anti‑ADF offensive

Beni chiefs call for tougher anti‑ADF actions and launch an agricultural co‑op, while M23 rebels clash with Wazalendo militias in Masisi, heightening civilian displacement in North Kivu.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-kivu-sees-intensified-rebel-fighting-and-calls-for-stronger-antiadf-offensive

---
Cite as: M23 insurgency in eastern DRC. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/m23-insurgency-in-eastern-drc