Reports indicate that M23 took control of the area after launching a surprise attack on government forces before midday.

According to security sources on the government side, the fighting left seven militiamen from the Wazalendo groups, which fight alongside Kinshasa’s forces, dead.

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The Ndete area lies at the crossroads between the Banyungu and Ufamandu II groupements in Masisi Territory and the Waloa Yungu and Waloa Uroba groupements in Walikale Territory.

The area is considered strategically important, and observers say M23’s recapture of it strengthens its position and could allow the group to advance toward the small towns of Kimua, Ntoto, and Busurungi  key localities in Walikale Commune.

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At present, the security situation in eastern Congo remains unstable, as the Congolese government seeks to retake some territories captured by M23 using aircraft, including unmanned drones.

Meanwhile, peace negotiations aimed at restoring stability are ongoing in Doha, with mediation involving the United States, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.