Heavy Fighting Resumes in South Kivu Between AFC/M23 and DRC Government

Kinshasa, December 10, 2025 - December 2-4, 2025 - Fighting between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government forces and the AFC/M23 rebel group has escalated across multiple areas of South Kivu, including Kaziba (Walungu), Luvungi (Uvira), Mudaka (Kabare), Katogota, and Lubarika.

December 2: Fighting erupted early in the day; AFC/M23 reportedly fired first, anticipating attacks from DRC, Burundian, and Rwandan forces.

Impact on civilians: Three civilians were killed in Kamanyola; in Kaziba, bombings destroyed homes, with reports of over 20 civilian deaths, including the head of the Muhumba Gurupoma and his four children. Infrastructure in several towns was severely damaged.

Territorial shifts: The DRC army lost control of Katogota, and some Burundian troops retreated to Uvira or Burundi. AFC/M23 forces approached Luvungi but avoided immediate entry to protect civilians.

December 3: Fighting continued; DRC forces shelled Kamanyola and Kaziba. AFC/M23 reported shells fired from Burundi killed 4 civilians and injured 6, including 3 children.

Government response: The provincial administration was destabilized; Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi fled to Bujumbura. Some Wazalendo fighters protested against the Commander of Military Operations, Brig Gen Amuli Chiviri.

Regional context: The clashes coincided with a Rwanda-DRC agreement signed in Washington, D.C., on December 4, committing both countries to support a ceasefire in North and South Kivu and pursue political dialogue as the path to peace.