Between January 24 and 26, 2023, M23 rebels and Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) soldiers fought over the city of Kitshanga.

M23, which rose to prominence in 2012, is a Rwandan-backed Tutsi group that has been fighting the Congolese government in eastern Congo.

[3] During their offensive, M23 attacked Bwito Chiefdom territory, capturing Bambo from FARDC and allied Mai-Mai militias in late December.

[5] At a summit in Angola, regional leaders including Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi demanded for a second time the withdrawal of M23 from these territories on January 15.

[9][10] By the end of January 24, FARDC and allied militias were able to push M23 to the outskirts of the city, where clashes intensified around villages like Rushembeshe.

[12][13] By the morning of January 26, the frontline was located in the villages of Kilolirwe, Monastere, Kabale-Kasha, Burungu, and Tebero.

[14] MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) took in 450 refugees.

[2] The Congolese government accused the Rwandan Army of participating in the capture of the city, and perpetrating massacres against the civilians along with M23.