Goma, East DRC – Since the morning of May 27, 2026, several areas in Masisi Territory have witnessed intense fighting between the AFC/M23 coalition and the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC).
The clashes, taking place about 30 kilometers from the Rubaya center, involve RDC government troops supported by Wazalendo militias, including Nyatura fighters, as well as the FDLR armed group, which opposes the Government of Rwanda.
It is not yet clear which side initiated the fighting or which side currently holds the advantage. However, civilians who have spent more than a week fleeing toward areas they consider safer continue to leave their homes carrying their belongings.
From the morning of May 26 until the afternoon hours, AFC/M23 reportedly captured several areas from RDC government forces as the fighting moved toward Rubaya. The locations reportedly taken include Bukinanyana, Gasenyi, Runigi, Karunga, Bushiha, Nkokwe, Nyakigano, Mushebere, and Kavuta.
One resident living near Rubaya said:
“The fighting had moved very close to Rubaya. From Baporo to Kanyaru, we could hear explosions and the sound of heavy weapons. Some residents stayed hidden inside their homes, while others fled to places they believed were safer.”
Another resident stated that after the clashes on May 26, he saw Wazalendo fighters retreating toward the Kibabi area, located about 15 kilometers from Rubaya.
RDC government forces reportedly suffered heavy casualties during the clashes and also lost various military equipment, including heavy and light weapons, although official figures have not yet been released.
Some Wazalendo fighters had earlier claimed they were only five kilometers away from Rubaya, leading to widespread rumors that they may have already entered the mineral-rich area known for its coltan deposits.
The AFC/M23-appointed administrator of Masisi Territory, Emmanuel Ndizeye Rutebuka, visited residents in Rubaya center on May 26 and assured them that RDC government forces would never retake the area.
Ndizeye also urged Rubaya residents to cooperate with AFC/M23 authorities in order to help maintain security and protect both their property and livelihoods while continuing their daily economic activities without interruption.
Despite ongoing clashes in nearby areas over recent days, residents in Rubaya have continued daily activities such as trade, motorcycle transportation services, and construction work. Ndizeye said this demonstrates the population’s confidence in the security situation.
Rubaya has been under AFC/M23 control since May 2024. The RDC government considers the loss of the area a major setback because approximately 15% of the world’s coltan exported to international markets is mined in Rubaya. AFC/M23 reportedly overwhelmed the coalition of RDC government forces and captured several areas near Rubaya.
