The Kazinga area had been used by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and their allied militias  including the FDLR, Wazalendo, and Burundian troops   as a key base for launching operations in Masisi.

Government forces and their allies moved into this area after being pushed out of several locations, including Goma, Rubaya, Gatare, Rusheberi, Ngungu, and Masisi, where they had set up strong defensive positions.

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The capture of Kazinga is a major advantage for M23, as it reconnects their units from the first Masisi zone  previously separated by the Kazinga barrier along the Kibabi, Cyugi, Gatobotobo, and Byungu line   with fighters in the second operational axis of Kayanja, Gasopo, Mahanga, Bihambwe, Rubaya, Kibabi, and Gatoyi, extending toward Ntoto and into Byungu.

This area had long served as a refuge for Wazalendo, FARDC, Burundian forces, and the FDLR whenever they were defeated in Masisi, as well as a staging ground for planning counteroffensives.

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Sources indicate that M23 may now find it easier to conduct military operations, including targeting elements of the Congolese military coalition currently positioned in Gatoyi or the Bugabo camp.

Kazinga had been home to a FARDC regiment consisting of five military bases under the command of Col. Moko, who fled the fighting on Thursday morning toward Walikale. Days of intense clashes had already left many FARDC and Wazalendo fighters dead.