1. FARDC and Wazalendo report tactical gains in Masisi

FARDC and Wazalendo forces reported recapturing seven positions from AFC/M23 along the Ngungu axis and in the Katoyi sector. Fighting continued around Mitimingi, Miano and Remeka as AFC/M23 launched counterattacks. The reported gains favor government-aligned forces tactically, but the field situation remains contested.

2. Judicial inquiry opens into violence surrounding C64 demonstrations

The justice minister ordered an inquiry into violence, arrests and other incidents associated with the C64 opposition demonstrations. Around 100 activists detained in Lubumbashi were subsequently released. Kolwezi’s authorization of a UDPS march after preventing the C64 from demonstrating has intensified questions about unequal restrictions on political activity.

3. Referendum bill returns to committee for 15 days

The National Assembly returned the proposed referendum law to committee for another 15-day review. The legislation would establish procedures for referendums and includes a route through which proposed constitutional changes could be considered by national and provincial legislators before a popular vote. The Constitutional Court previously approved the bill subject to reservations concerning 13 articles.

4. Road construction advances in Kasai and Lomami

The RN1 project has paved 43 kilometers between Kamwesha and Kananga, while construction on the RN2 in Lomami has produced 10.5 kilometers of finished pavement. The European Union is financing the RN1 section, and the RN2 work forms part of a $500 million World Bank transport and connectivity program.

5. More than 700 children remain out of school in Kalonge

More than 700 children in six communities in Kalehe territory, South Kivu, had not returned to school two weeks into the academic year. Poverty, displacement and destroyed school infrastructure were cited as the main barriers, with community representatives warning that children outside the classroom face greater exposure to recruitment by armed groups.