Two civilians have been killed and seven others injured following renewed fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to residents, the clashes occurred on Sunday in Ilundu-Basita village in Minembwe, where intense exchanges of gunfire broke out as FARDC troops and allied coalition forces launched artillery bombardments against M23/AFC positions. Residents say some of the shells landed in civilian-populated areas.
In a statement issued on Monday, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that shelling by FARDC and its coalition partners killed two civilians identified as 19-year-old Prince Runezerwa Mahiyabo and Résor Kigeri Mazuru.
Kanyuka said Mazuru died instantly, while Mahiyabo succumbed to severe bleeding while being rushed to the hospital. According to the statement, seven other civilians were injured during the bombardment.
The injured were identified as Bajeneza Murontsi, 7, a Primary Two pupil; Nzabakiza Osée, 12, son of Alexis Rukema and Nabisabo Mutoni; Nyasafari Chantal, 29; Nyamahoro Nyankamirwa, 54; Cubahiro Fataki, 18; Tito Murengera, 58; and another victim whose identity had not yet been established.
Kanyuka said some of the victims sustained serious injuries to their arms and legs, while others remain in critical condition after being struck by shrapnel. He further claimed that the death toll could rise, noting that several residents remain unaccounted for and that rescue efforts have been hampered by the continued presence of FARDC surveillance drones over the area.
“Silence in the face of such incidents amounts to complicity,” Kanyuka said, adding that the situation in Minembwe can no longer be ignored or pushed into the background.
FARDC had not stated the incident by Monday evening. The latest casualties come just days after two civilians were killed and eight others injured during clashes between FARDC and M23/AFC fighters in Nkokwe locality, Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, on June 5. Following that incident, Kanyuka similarly accused FARDC and allied forces of indiscriminately shelling civilian-populated areas, resulting in deaths and injuries.
The fighting comes despite ongoing regional and international efforts to secure a ceasefire in eastern DRC. Clashes between FARDC and M23/AFC have continued in both North and South Kivu provinces, with each side accusing the other of violating ceasefire agreements. FARDC has maintained artillery and aerial operations against rebel-held positions, while M23/AFC continues to control large areas of territory across eastern Congo.
The M23 movement, which re-emerged in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Sultan Makenga, remains engaged in conflict with Congolese government forces.
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, allegations that have consistently been denied by both Kigali and M23/AFC leaders. M23/AFC says its armed struggle is aimed at addressing corruption, discrimination, insecurity, and governance failures in the DRC. In early 2025, the movement intensified its military campaign in eastern Congo, capturing several strategic towns and heightening concerns over the risk of a wider regional conflict-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
