Two more civilians have been killed and several others injured as fierce fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels intensifies in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The latest incident was reported on Tuesday in Gasenyi, Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, where FARDC troops and allied coalition forces were engaged in clashes with M23/AFC rebels. According to local residents, bombs targeting rebel positions landed in civilian-populated areas.
As a result, an 80-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy were killed by shrapnel from the explosions. Several other civilians were reportedly injured by bomb fragments. On Tuesday afternoon, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka released a statement accusing FARDC and its allied forces of indiscriminately shelling civilian areas. He alleges that, in addition to the bombardment that killed civilians in Gasenyi, government forces and their allies systematically looted civilian property in the area.
Kanyuka also claims that FARDC and its coalition partners intensified simultaneous offensives against the localities of Gakenke, Bidegu, Rugezi, and Mikenke in South Kivu Province on the same day.
According to Kanyuka, the attacks involved heavy artillery, ground troops, kamikaze combat drones, and KT-6 aircraft. He alleged that the military operations continued to cause civilian casualties and destruction.
Kanyuka’s statement says: “This Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 01:05 a.m., the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime launched an attack against the densely populated area of Gasenyi, in Masisi Territory. This offensive claimed the lives of an 80-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy. Several other civilians were injured, while the village was systematically looted by elements of the Kinshasa forces. At 05:00 a.m. on the same day, coalition forces intensified their simultaneous offensives against the localities of Gakenke, Bidegu, Rugezi, and Mikenke. These attacks are being carried out with heavy artillery, ground troops, as well as airstrikes conducted by kamikaze combat drones and KT-6 aircraft. The bombings and atrocities against civilian populations continue as we publish this update.”
He adds that AFC/M23 remains committed to protecting civilian populations and their property despite what he described as a war imposed by the Kinshasa government.
Around the same time, Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, the FARDC Acting Spokesperson also issued a statement condemning what he described as continued attacks by M23 rebels despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace.
Hazukay says M23 and its allies had repeatedly attacked several localities in North Kivu, as well as the highland areas of Mikenge, Fizi, Uvira, and surrounding regions in South Kivu Province, targeting both civilian populations and military positions. He says the attacks have resulted in deaths, mass displacement, and significant property destruction.
According to Hazukay, FARDC considers such actions serious violations of international humanitarian law and has called on the international community to take note. He warns that any further provocations would be met with an appropriate response within the framework of the army’s constitutional mandate.
The latest casualties come just days after two civilians were killed and seven others injured during fighting between the rival forces in Ilundu-Basita village, Minembwe, South Kivu Province, on June 7, 2026. Earlier, on June 5, two civilians were killed and eight others wounded during clashes in Nkokwe locality, Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province.
Following those incidents, Kanyuka similarly accused FARDC and allied forces of indiscriminately shelling civilian-populated areas, leading to civilian deaths and injuries.
Despite ongoing regional and international peace initiatives, fighting between FARDC and M23/AFC continues across North and South Kivu provinces, with both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire agreements. FARDC has maintained artillery and aerial operations against rebel-held positions, while M23/AFC continues to control significant territory in eastern DR Congo-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
