The group has achieved this after capturing the areas of Mahanga and Kibanda in the Osso Banyungu sector (in Masisi territory). And on Sunday, November 23, 2025, it also seized the town of Buhimba in Walikale territory.

The town of Buhimba in Walikale territory was one of the few remaining strategic areas in that territory, raising concerns that the group may capture additional locations.

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Reports indicate that FARDC soldiers and Wazalendo fighters fled to the areas of Kailenge and Luhando after being defeated. Immediately after taking control of Buhimba, the M23 burned down the government and Wazalendo military camps in the area.

The capture of Buhimba opens the route for AFC/M23 toward Kimua and Ntoto, two other major towns in that region still held by government forces and Wazalendo fighters.

The Kimua Ntotola road connects to the Walikale Goma highway through Ngora, about 12 kilometers from central Walikale, and also passes through Karete and Musenge on the RN3 road coming from Mera near Ntoto via Malembe.

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Civil society organizations in Walikale are calling on security agencies to strengthen protection along the routes that the rebels are using to encircle the town of Walikale.

If M23 captures Walikale, it would be able to move toward Kisangani through Lubutu in Maniema Province. Residents are urging the national army to intensify offensive operations to prevent the rebels from seizing more parts of the country.