Local sources say the rebels moved into Cidasa earlier on Thursday and are now pushing quietly toward Kalambi, a community located about five kilometers from Mwenga Centre. Residents describe a calm but steady advance, noting that the group met little resistance as opposing forces reportedly withdrew before the rebels arrived.

People living near Cidasa and Kalambi say fear is growing as the situation remains uncertain. Many families have begun fleeing toward safer locations, unsure of how close the fighting might get to Mwenga itself.

So far, authorities in Mwenga and across South Kivu have not issued any official statement confirming the rebel presence or detailing their response. However, observers expect FARDC, the Congolese national army, to strengthen its deployments around the area to prevent further territorial losses.

Mwenga has recently become a strategic point in the escalating conflict, following weeks of advances by the M23 group in different parts of the province.