Clashes Between AFC/M23 Rebels and Wazalendo Spread Fear in Kavumu

KAVUMU, South Kivu February 21, 2026 - Residents of Kavumu and surrounding localities in Kabare territory, eastern DRC, spent the day gripped by fear and uncertainty as armed clashes erupted between AFC/M23 rebels and Wazalendo fighters. According to information gathered locally, the exchange of gunfire began early in the morning before temporarily subsiding, only to resume later in the evening, heightening tensions across the area. Witnesses reported that the violence broke out shortly after a Wazalendo combatant was evacuated from a health facility, an incident that appeared to trigger the confrontation between the two armed groups. Within hours, heavy gunfire could be heard across several localities, particularly along the Katana-Kavumu axis. Residents described hearing continuous bursts of gunfire, creating panic among civilians who were forced to seek shelter in their homes throughout the day. The situation escalated again at around 6:30 p.m., when renewed shooting was reported in Kavumu, signaling a fresh wave of confrontation. Shortly afterward, observers noted a reinforcement of Wazalendo fighters near the Kavumu commercial center, suggesting preparations for further engagement. The security situation quickly affected daily life and movement in the area. Traffic along the Bukavu-Kavumu road, one of the region’s key routes, was severely disrupted as armed elements positioned weapons along the Katana-Kavumu section. The presence of combatants and the intensity of the shooting forced many residents to remain indoors, while commercial activities and transport were largely paralyzed. The latest clashes illustrate the fragile security environment in parts of South Kivu, where confrontations between AFC/M23 forces and local Wazalendo militias continue to threaten civilian safety and regional stability.