Over 1,000 Congolese Refugees Flee to Rwanda Amid Escalating South Kivu Conflict

Rusizi District, December 6, 2025 - Rusizi District authorities report that in just three days, more than 1,000 Congolese refugees have crossed into Rwanda via the Bugarama border due to intensified fighting in South Kivu Province.

From December 3 to 5, a total of 1,122 refugees arrived, with the first group of 199 people arriving on December 3. The majority of the refugees come from conflict-affected areas such as Kamanyola in Walungu Territory, where civilians have been killed and homes destroyed by ongoing clashes between the Democratic Republic of Congo Army (FARDC) and the M23 movement.

Mayor of Rusizi District, Sindayiheba Phanuel, provided a breakdown of the refugee arrivals on December 5: 923 Congolese crossed the border, including 643 children, 90 men, and 190 women. Among them, 263 refugees returned to the DRC via the Rusizi I border to Bukavu, while 755 were taken to the Nyarushishi Temporary Camp for shelter and assistance.

The district authorities ensured that children received vaccinations, including for measles, and that all refugees were tested and provided with medical support for any health concerns.

Local residents report hearing gunfire from the border areas, though no attacks have occurred within Rwanda. Mukankakaka Noëlla, a local accommodation worker, said:

"There was a break of about 10 to 15 minutes, and a single distant explosion could be heard. Some refugees from remote mountains arrived yesterday but were quickly accommodated. Daily activities on the road continued as usual."

The flow of refugees decreased on December 6 as minibuses transported newcomers to the Nyarushishi camp, compared to previous days when multiple large buses and minibuses were used.