M23 rebels and allied militias have taken control of Lunyasenge, a vital fishing town on the western shores of Lake Edward, following armed clashes with the Congolese army that left 17 people dead, including seven government soldiers.
The Congolese military confirmed the loss of the town in a statement issued on Sunday evening, marking a significant setback in efforts to stabilize North Kivu province. “This attack is a deliberate violation of the ceasefire and the peace processes underway in Doha and Washington,” said Colonel Mak Hazukay, spokesperson for the army’s Greater North command. He warned that the army is prepared to respond across all fronts if threats persist.
Though the army did not disclose casualty figures, local officials—speaking on condition of anonymity—reported that 10 rebel fighters were also killed during the confrontation.
According to residents, rebel forces arrived by boat, crossing Lake Edward from the fisheries at Vutsumbi and Kamandi Gite before advancing into the highlands. Witnesses reported gunfire and movement along the shore as fighting broke out in the town center.
Lunyasenge, located approximately four hours by boat from Kyavinyonge, plays a strategic role in the regional fishing economy and links to important commercial routes leading to Butembo, Beni, and the Ugandan border at Kasindi-Lubiriha. The capture positions M23 forces closer to zones influenced by Uganda, raising regional concerns.
The rebel group, which has intensified its campaign since late 2023, has already seized urban centers including Goma and Bukavu. Kinshasa continues to accuse Rwanda of backing M23, a claim Rwanda denies.
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in March between Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame—mediated by the Emir of Qatar—conflict has persisted. In April, both nations’ foreign ministers signed a U.S.-facilitated declaration in Washington, pledging mutual respect for sovereignty and vowing to reach a final peace deal by May 2. No follow-up statement has been issued.
The fall of Lunyasenge underscores the growing instability in eastern DR Congo and casts further doubt on the effectiveness of the current diplomatic efforts.