M23 rebels seize villages near Sake, thousands flee towards Goma
Renewed clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese armed forces near Sake led to the capture of two vital agricultural villages by the rebels, according to Radio Okapi. The intense ground battles and subsequent occupation forced an estimated 8,000 civilians to flee their homes. The newly displaced individuals are moving towards already overcrowded displacement camps on the outskirts of Goma, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis and raising cholera outbreak fears.
Date: May 22, 2026
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Conflict: M23 Rebellion
Category: ground battle
Severity: HIGH
Casualties reported: 18
Displaced: 8,000
Source: Radio Okapi