M23 Clashes Intensify in Eastern DRC as US Imposes Rwanda Visa Restrictions
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Pro-Congolese FARDC and Wazalendo forces clashed with M23-aligned Twirwaneho militia in Kitavi 4 miles north Minembwe center South Kivu March 6, following Twirwaneho sniper killing 3 FARDC officers March 3. FARDC/allies captured villages around Minembwe since early March in possible town push. M23 withdrew from Ndete/Buabo west Masisi North Kivu March 5–6 after Wazalendo regain control.
M23 recaptured 2 villages northern Mwenga district South Kivu March 5 clashing FARDC/allies in Ntondo group Burhinyi chiefdom ~20 miles west Twangiza gold mine. CTP cannot verify exact locations but activity signals M23 expansion west.
Major diplomatic escalations: US State Department March 6 imposed visa restrictions on "several senior Rwandan officials" for backing M23 violating Washington Peace Accords, following Treasury sanctions entire RDF/top officials March 2. ICG (US/EU+9 European countries) March 5 expressed ceasefire violation concerns including drones, calling halt hostilities/return peace talks/inc lusive dialogue against Rwandophone discrimination.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed former US DRC ambassador James Swan (2013–2016 Obama era) as new MONUSCO force head March 5. Developments underscore intensifying pressure on Rwanda amid M23 territorial gains South/North Kivu.
