Over 74 Civilians Killed in One Week of Fighting Between FARDC and M23

Kinshasa, December 12, 2025 - South Kivu - At least 74 civilians have been killed and 83 wounded since December 2, 2025, amid clashes between the FARDC and the M23, further deteriorating an already critical humanitarian situation. The information was provided on Wednesday, December 10, by Bruno Lemarquis, Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC and acting head of MONUSCO.

He warned of escalating violence, which is hindering medical evacuations, disrupting schools, and forcing over 200,000 people to flee within the province, while thousands more seek refuge in Burundi and Rwanda. The living conditions of displaced persons remain alarming, with overcrowding, health risks, and gender-based violence.

Mr. Lemarquis stressed that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, calling for an immediate cessation of explosive weapons in populated areas. He also emphasized that the peace agreement signed on December 4 in Washington between the DRC and Rwanda can only take effect if hostilities cease.