DRC News Monitor #20

News Monitor #20
20 February 2026

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DRC News Round-Up

Angolan President João Lourenço, who has re-engaged in mediation efforts in the crisis (see Peace processes section), proposed yet another ceasefire to take effect 18th February. Kinshasa accepted the proposal, while M23 did not recognize it. This renewed effort by Lourenço is not welcome by all stakeholders who are seeking to consolidate the various mechanisms, an effort that saw progress in Lome last month.
On 10 February, the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing on the situation in DRC and the Washington Accords. Christian-Geraud Neema testified that the Congolese security crisis should not be reduced solely to the M23 question, emphasizing the structural drivers of instability that enabled recurrent armed crises. He also called for the meaningful inclusion of Congolese civil society in mediation frameworks to strengthen social legitimacy and implementation capacity of any agreement.
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Senior Adviser for Arab and Africa Affairs, Massad Boulos, stated that Washington was ‘extremely disappointed’ by the M23’s takeover of Uvira and attributed responsibility for ongoing violence in eastern DRC to M23 and Rwanda.

In focus: MONUSCO

South Africa announced plans to withdraw approximately 700 South African National Defence (SANDF) troops from MONUSCO, citing internal resource ‘realignment’. A withdrawal timeline has yet to be announced.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations, met with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa on 10 February. Lacroix indicated that security guarantees would be required before MONUSCO could redeploy to South Kivu to monitor the ceasefire. Although the Security Council authorized MONUSCO to support implementation of a permanent ceasefire under its latest mandate renewal, operational and political constraints remain, particularly regarding redeployment of Blue Helmets in Uvira.
On 12 February, a MONUSCO helicopter landed at the Goma airport for the first time since the city’s takeover by M23 a year ago. The interim head of the mission, Vivian van de Perre met representatives of the ICRGL Joint Verification Mechanism and M23 political leadership to discuss ceasefire monitoring. She also announced plans for an aerial reconnaissance mission over Uvira and the gradual reopening of Goma airport.
Separately, reports suggest that U.S. diplomat James Swan, former U.S. ambassador to Kinshasa, is rumoured to be appointed as the next head of MONUSCO, though this has not been formally confirmed.

PAEMA and partners

PAEMA and members of its DRC Advocacy Cohort published a memo marking the one year since the fall of Bukavu, highlighting civilian realities under occupation and the implications of prolonged territorial control by armed actors.
On February 23rd, the DRC Diaspora Desk is holding a Congressional Briefing on the Washington Accords (10am-12pm, Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2200). Register here.

DRC UPDATES

HUMAN RIGHTS

On 6 February, ADF rebels killed 21 civilians in the Bapere area of Lubero territory (North Kivu). Revising an earlier toll of 15 now updated to 21.
Also on 6 February, FARDC shelling targeting CRP militants injured at least 7 civilians in Bule (Djugu, Ituri).
On 16 February, 26 civilians abducted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in January were released following ransom payments reportedly ranging from $5000 to $10,000 per person, paid by the hostages’ families.
On 17 February, ADF abducted three civilians south of Njiapanda (Lubero, North Kivu).

ARMED CONFLICT

South Kivu

Reuters reports that Erik Prince, a close ally of President Trump, deployed a private security force to help FARDC secure Uvira.
Clashes between the government-aligned coalition and Twirwaneho militias continue in South Kivu, particularly in the Minembwe highlands. The strategic site of Point Zero remains contested and has reportedly changed hands multiple times.
Twirwaneho militants accuse FARDC and Burundian forces of using armed drones and Sukhoi fighter jets against Banyamulenge villages. Civil society actors have relayed similar allegations. Independent verification remains limited.

North Kivu

On 8 February, in Tshanzu (Rutshuru), M23 announced the completion of military training for over 7,500 new recruits, who are reportedly being integrated into their operational unit.
In Rutshuru territory, clashes between M23 and FDLR militants in Kibirizi are putting civilians at risk.
On 19 February, two Wazalendo factions clashed near Butembo (Beni), underscoring fragmentation within pro-government militia groups.

Ituri

On 10 February, FARDC, supported by MONUSCO, launched operations against CRP militants in Bule and surrounding villages. MONUSCO reportedly fired more than 40 shells after being targeted by CRP fighters.
On 13 February, CRP militants attacked a police station in Fataki, killing one police officer.

HUMANITARIAN AND DISPLACEMENT

The European Union announced €81.2 million in emergency humanitarian aid during a regional visit by Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib. The funding is intended to support civilians in eastern DRC and related humanitarian responses in Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania.
More than 7,000 displaced households who fled fighting in Rutshuru territory are struggling without assistance in Kanyabayonga (Lubero, North Kivu).
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported a severe cholera epidemic in Sange (South Kivu), exacerbated by large-scale displacement linked to M23/FARDC clashes.

REPORTING AND ANALYSIS

In the Harvard International Law Journal, Daniel Levine-Spound examines potential avenues for accountability related to Rwandan involvement in eastern DRC, including judicial, economic and diplomatic measures.
In The New Humanitarian, civilians describe and reflect on living conditions one year under M23’s rule in Goma.
The Continent (page 14) features an analysis by Conflict Research Group researcher Josaphat Musamba examining governance gaps surrounding the Rubaya mine.
The Kivu Security Tracker recorded 234 security incidents in January 2026, reflecting sustained levels of violence across eastern DRC.

PEACE PROCESSES

One year after stepping back from his role as AU-appointed mediator, Angolan President João Lourenço has re-engaged in diplomatic efforts related to the Congolese crisis. He met President Félix Tshisekedi multiple times in February, first in Luanda and later in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the AU summit. Angolan mediators also held consultations with Congolese opposition figures, reportedly exploring support for the organization of a national dialogue. The renewed Angolan engagement adds an additional diplomatic track to ongoing regional and international mediation efforts.

BUSINESS AND MINERALS

Bloomberg reports that officials from the Trump administration encouraged an Australian mining company to divest its stake in a major lithium deposit in the DRC in favor of a U.S. firm, showcasing the Trump administration’s unconventional approach in shaping ownership structures of ‘critical minerals assets’ amid competition over supply chains.
Kinshasa has included the Rubaya coltan mine, currently under M23 control, among the strategic assets it has presented to the U.S. within the framework of bilateral minerals partnerships (see Monitor #18). An M23 official cited by Reuters suggested that the move could be intended to incentivize U.S. support for efforts to recover the area. The inclusion of territory outside effective government control underscores the overlap between security dynamics and strategic minerals diplomacy.

GREAT LAKES

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye assumed the rotating chairmanship of the African Union for the coming year, in a context of heightened tensions with Rwanda. The International Crisis Group has warned of the risk of a full-fledged confrontation between the two neighbors lest a deescalation occurs.
U.S.-based Artificial Intelligence leader Anthropic has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Rwanda to support the integration of AI tools in Rwanda’s education, health, and public administration systems.
On 18 February, the Kigali Security Summit convened on the theme “Aligning the United States, Israel, Africa, and the New Middle East”. The event ‘explored ways to position Africa as the next frontier for expanding the strategic depth of the US-Israel partnership, with Rwanda serving as a leading gateway partner’. Senator Ted Cruz, among others, addressed the forum remotely. AIPAC leaders, including President Emeritus Lee Rosenberg, personally met with President Kagame.

U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY

DRC Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Guy Kabombo conducted an official visit to Congo-Brazzaville aimed at “consolidating" bilateral military cooperation between the two Congos.
Turkey introduced a new military attaché in Kinshasa and reiterated its commitment to support “sustainable peace” in the DRC.
Following several months of diplomatic tensions between Kinshasa and London, Kinshasa agreed to receive Congolese nationals expelled from the United Kingdom due to irregular migration status.
At a Corporate Council on Africa event on 16 February, U.S. Senior Bureau Official Nick Checker highlighted the REIF (see Monitor Special Edition #2) as a strategically significant initial project under the Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group recently launched by the African Union Commission.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana) met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional stability, and prospects for expanded economic engagement.
The Senate Foreign Relation Committee’s lead Africa staffer, John Tomaszewski, visited Kinshasa this week, meeting with the Prime Minister and others.

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Version francophone

En bref

Le président angolais João Lourenço a relancé les efforts de médiation dans la crise congolaise (voir la section Processus de paix), proposant un nouveau cessez-le-feu qui devait entrer en vigueur le 18 février. Kinshasa a accepté la proposition, tandis que le M23 a indiqué ne pas reconnaître cette initiative. Cette reprise de main angolaise suscite des réserves au sein des autres médiateurs, notamment les américains, dans un contexte de multiplication des canaux diplomatiques concurrents; un effort qui avait déjà enregistré des avancées à Lomé le mois dernier.
Le 10 février, la commission des affaires étrangères de la Chambre des représentants des États-Unis a tenu une audience consacrée à la situation en RDC et les accords de Washington. Christian-Geraud Neema, le témoin congolais, a souligné que la crise sécuritaire congolaise ne saurait être réduite au seul M23, mettant en avant les facteurs structurels d’instabilité qui favorisent la résurgence périodique des conflits armés. Il a également plaidé pour l’inclusion effective de la société civile congolaise dans les processus de médiation, estimant qu’elle constitue un levier essentiel de légitimité et de mise en œuvre des accords.
En marge de la Conférence de Munich sur la sécurité, le conseiller principal américain pour les affaires arabes et africaines, Massad Boulos, a déclaré que Washington était « extrêmement déçu » par la prise d'Uvira par le M23, imputant la responsabilité des violences en cours dans l'est de la RDC au M23 et au Rwanda.

A la loupe : la MONUSCO et ses défis

L'Afrique du Sud a annoncé son intention de retirer environ 700 soldats de la Force de défense nationale sud-africaine (SANDF) de la MONUSCO, invoquant un « réalignement » de ses priorités budgétaires et militaires. Aucun calendrier du retrait n'a encore été communiqué.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, secrétaire général adjoint des Nations unies chargé des opérations de maintien de la paix, a rencontré le président Tshisekedi à Kinshasa le 10 février. M. Lacroix a indiqué que des garanties sécuritaires seraient nécessaires avant tout redéploiement de la MONUSCO au Sud-Kivu pour la surveillance d'un éventuel cessez-le-feu. Bien que le Conseil de sécurité ait autorisé la MONUSCO à appuyer la mise en œuvre d'un cessez-le-feu permanent dans le cadre de son dernier renouvellement de mandat, des contraintes opérationnelles et politiques subsistent, notamment en ce qui concerne le redéploiement des Casques bleus à Uvira.
Le 12 février, un hélicoptère de la MONUSCO a atterri à l'aéroport de Goma pour la première fois depuis la prise de la ville par le M23 il y a un an. La cheffe de mission par intérim, Vivian van de Perre, a rencontré des représentants du Mécanisme conjoint de vérification de la Conférence internationale sur la région des Grands Lacs (CIRGL) ainsi que des responsables politiques du M23 pour discuter du suivi du cessez-le-feu. Elle a également annoncé la tenue d’une mission de reconnaissance aérienne à Uvira ainsi qu’une réouverture progressive de l'aéroport de Goma.
Des informations non confirmées évoquent la possible nomination du diplomate américain et ancien ambassadeur des Etats-Unis à Kinshasa, James Swan, à la tête de la MONUSCO.

PAEMA et partenaires

PAEMA et des membres de sa Cohorte de plaidoyer pour la RDC ont publié un mémo marquant un an après la prise de Bukavu. Le mémo met en avant les conditions de vie des civils sous contrôle du M23 et les implications d’une occupation prolongée par des acteurs armés.
Le 23 février, le DRC Diaspora Desk organise une réunion d'information au Congrès américain sur les accords de Washington (de 10h00 à 12h00, Rayburn House Office Building, salle 2200). Inscrivez-vous ici.

ACTUALITÉS

DROITS HUMAINS

Le 6 février, des rebelles ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) ont mené une attaque sanglante dans la région de Bapere, dans le territoire de Lubero (Nord-Kivu). Le bilan initial de 15 a été revu à la hausse à 21 par rapport aux premières estimations.
Le même jour, des tirs d'artillerie des FARDC visant des miliciens de la CRP (Convention pour la révolution populaire) ont blessé au moins 7 civils à Bule (Djugu, Ituri).
Le 16 février, 26 civils enlevés par les Forces démocratiques alliées (ADF) en janvier ont été libérés après le versement de rançons qui aurait varié entre 5 000 et 10 000 dollars américains par personne, par les familles des otages.
Le 17 février, les ADF ont enlevé trois civils au sud de Njiapanda (Lubero, Nord-Kivu).

CONFLITS ARMÉS

Sud-Kivu

Selon Reuters, Erik Prince, un proche allié du président Trump, aurait déployé une force de sécurité privée en appui aux FARDC pour sécuriser Uvira.
Les affrontements entre la coalition gouvernementale et les milices Twirwaneho se poursuivent dans le Sud-Kivu, notamment dans les hauts plateaux de Minembwe. Le site stratégique Point Zéro reste disputé et changerait régulièrement de contrôle.
Les militants Twirwaneho accusent les FARDC et les forces burundaises d'utiliser des drones armés et des avions de chasse Sukhoi pour cibler les villages banyamulenge. Des acteurs de la société civile relaient des allégations similaires, sans confirmation par des mécanismes indépendants.

Nord-Kivu

Le 8 février, à Tshanzu (Rutshuru), le M23 a annoncé avoir achevé la formation militaire de plus de 7 500 nouvelles recrues, désormais en cours d'intégration dans leurs unités opérationnelles.
Dans le territoire de Rutshuru, des affrontements entre les militants du M23 et des FDLR (Forces démocratiques pour la libération du Rwanda) à Kibirizi exposent les civils à des risques accrus.
Le 19 février, deux factions Wazalendo se seraient affrontées près de Butembo (Beni), illustrant des divisions internes au sein des milices pro-gouvernementales.