Kivu Security Tracker: Armed Confrontations Rose 27% in August as AFC/M23 Took 22 More Villages

The Kivu Security Tracker (KST), a project of the Ebuteli research institute, reported Sept 22, 2026 that eastern DRC recorded 118 armed confrontations in August, up 27% from 93 in July, out of 216 total documented security incidents across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. AFC/M23 was the most active armed actor, involved in 85 incidents including 56 direct confrontations that killed 60 civilians, and took 22 new villages, mostly in Masisi and Kalehe territories. In Ituri, ADF carried out 14 attacks that killed 72 people and abducted 64, while regular Congolese forces were linked to 15 civilian deaths. CODECO activity remained minimal and the Djugu-based CRP militia resumed operations during the month.