FARDC Accuses AFC/M23 Rebels of Abducting 42 Women in Rutshuru, North Kivu

Rutshuru, January 11, 2026 - DRC | December 28, 2025

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have accused AFC/M23 rebels of abducting at least 42 women in the Bukombo Centre area of Rutshuru territory, North Kivu.

According to Dieudonné Kasereka, communications officer for the 34th Military Region, the abductions occurred on Sunday, December 28, in the Bwito chiefdom. The army reports that the victims were tortured prior to their abduction, citing testimonies from local residents.

“The exact destination or whereabouts of the women remain unclear,” Kasereka added.

The FARDC noted that this is not the first violent act attributed to the AFC/M23 rebels, who have previously targeted civilians in Mushoro (Bwito chiefdom), Pitango and Musinde (Batangi chiefdom), and Kahongole (Katsiru locality).

The Bukombo area remains a high-risk zone, marked by skirmishes between Wazalendo forces of the CMC group and M23 rebels, alongside human rights violations against civilians.

Mass Displacement

Hundreds of families displaced by the clashes are currently living in Mweso, in the Bashali Mokoto area, Masisi territory. According to local sources, these people are housed in schools and churches under precarious conditions, receiving little to no humanitarian aid.

Displaced families are forced to move their belongings each morning to allow classes to resume, often in the rain. This situation is especially dangerous for breastfeeding women and children, who are exposed to the elements.

Local residents are appealing to the humanitarian community for decent shelter and support to enable them to return safely to their home villages.