The March 23 Movement/Alliance River Congo (M23/AFC) rebels have declared three days of moruning over the the death of 26 pupils who died in a deadly fire outbreak in Bukavu city, South Kivu province eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The fire broke out on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at around 8:00AM at Funu B Avenue in Kasheke, Chimpunda District, Bukavu City, and spread to Ujamaa and Furaah primary schools. Some pupils died in a stampede as they attempted to flee the flames, while others reportedly died from asphyxiation. Dozens of pupils were rushed to Kadutu General Hospital, while four others were admitted to Bukavu Provincial General Hospital.
DR Congo Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship on Thursday released a statemement sending condolences to the families of the deceased.M23/AFC rebels also did the same.
On Friday evening, M23/AFC rebels Permanent Secretary,Benjamin Mbonimpa released a statement stating that in the face of this tragedy, which has plunged many families into mourning and the population of Bukavu into grief, the M23/AFC group has declared three days of national mourning, beginning Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, 2026, inclusive.
Mbonimpa says dring this period, the national flag and the AFC/M23 flag will be flown at half-mast at all buildings and institutions under the Alliance, in tribute to the victims of the tragedy. Mbonimpa also says that M23/AFC expresses its deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire population of Bukavu and also wishes the injured persons a speedy recovery.
He calls on the entire population to observe this mourning period in calm, dignity, reflection and solidarity, and encourages all people of goodwill and humanitarian organisations to contribute to relief efforts for the victims and affected families. He calls on the competent authorities to diligently continue the ongoing investigations in order to establish the exact causes and circumstances of the fire and to draw all necessary conclusions-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
