Nord Kivu Clashes: M23 and Wazalendo Battle in
Luke
as Civilians Flee in Fear
By Mangwa • October 5, 2025 • MecaMediaAfrica.com
Luke, in the Masisi Territory of North Kivu (DRC), was rocked at dawn today by heavy fighting between the AFC/M23 rebellion and community self-defence fighters commonly called Wazalendo.
Local sources report sustained exchanges of heavy and light weapons starting around 05:00, sending families fleeing into nearby bushland and towards safer localities.
Witnesses say the M23 launched an assault aimed at dislodging Wazalendo from recently re-established positions around Luke, a community not far from the key axes linking Kalembe, Kashuga and the corridor toward Walikale. The situation remains tense and fluid, with movements reported along the broader Masisi–Goma arc.
Why this matters
- Humanitarian risk: North Kivu already hosts large numbers of internally displaced people. Fresh clashes near Luke risk new waves of displacement toward Goma and interior sites.
- Talks vs. trenches: The renewed violence comes despite ongoing talks in Doha between government representatives and the AFC/M23—underscoring the gap between the negotiating table and the front lines.
- Security mosaic: Alongside the army (FARDC), various Wazalendo formations have held ground in Masisi and neighboring territories, complicating command-and-control and civilian protection.
On the ground
Residents told MecaMedia that bursts of gunfire and blasts rattled Luke and nearby villages for hours. Fields near Hembe reportedly remain off-limits due to the proximity of fighting. Community leaders appealed for rapid protection measures and clear humanitarian access corridors.
The bigger picture
Even as international facilitators push parallel tracks—from the United Nations resolutions to regional facilitation—field realities in North Kivu and South Kivu continue to shift. Confidence-building measures discussed in Doha will be tested by ceasefire adherence, withdrawals, and verifiable civilian protection.
Quick facts (links)
- Province: North Kivu
- Territoire: Masisi
- Nearby hubs: Goma • Walikale
- Armed actors: M23 • FARDC • Wazalendo/self-defence groups
- Diplomacy track: Talks in Doha • UN framework: United Nations
Reporter: Mangwa
Read more: MecaMediaAfrica.com
Tags: #DRC #NorthKivu #Masisi #Luke #M23 #Wazalendo #FARDC #DohaTalks #Humanitarian