Clashes Between AFC/M23 Rebels and Wazalendo Shake Kavumu

South Kivu, February 21, 2026 - Residents of Kavumu and surrounding areas in the Kabare territory are living in fear following exchanges of fire between AFC/M23 rebels and the Wazalendo. The fighting began in the morning, briefly subsided, and then resumed in the evening. Locals reported hearing gunfire from as far as Katana to Kavumu. In the evening, clashes reportedly resumed around 6:30 p.m., coinciding with a noticeable reinforcement of Wazalendo forces near the shopping center. The violence disrupted traffic along the main road linking Bukavu to Kavumu, forcing residents to stay indoors as combatants positioned weapons along key routes. Authorities have yet to release official statements, but local communities remain on high alert amid the tensions.