Over Fifty Civilians Killed in Rutshuru and Surrounding Villages, January 2026 - OCHA

February 18, 2026 - North Kivu, DRC - The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that armed clashes in Masisi, Rutshuru, and Walikale territories in January 2026 claimed nearly 100 civilian lives, left many wounded, and caused large-scale population displacement. The violence involved AFC/M23 rebels and Wazalendo militias aligned with the Congolese army. Between January 12 and 16, fighting engulfed over a dozen villages in the Bukombo, Kihondo, Mutanda, Bambo, and Tongo groups within the Bwito chiefdom (Rutshuru territory), killing approximately 50 civilians. Displaced populations fled to Bukombo-centre, Ihula, Nyanzale, Kikuku-centre, and Katsiru, while others sought refuge in Mweso and Kitchanga (Masisi territory). OCHA also noted renewed clashes in Nyamaboko 1 and 2 villages in Masisi and Katoyi Health Zones, further displacing civilians. An army airstrike on January 2 in Masisi-Centre reportedly killed 11 people, injured around 40 others, and destroyed the office of an international NGO. In Walikale, drone strikes between January 19 and 30 targeted hills overlooking Kasopo, Buleusa (Ikobo group), Mpety, Mindjenje, and Chanjikiro (Kisimba group), leading to mass displacement. Residents of Mpombi and Iteya were forced to flee on January 21 due to escalating clashes, while healthcare access deteriorated as several health facilities were looted or damaged. The Pinga General Referral Hospital reported critical shortages of medicines, equipment, and medical staff. Adding to the humanitarian toll, a landslide in Burutsi killed at least 30 people, buried homes, and severed the Kashebere Mungazi-Kibua road, the only link to central Walikale. OCHA’s report underscores the ongoing insecurity, displacement, and disruption of essential services in eastern DRC, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and civilian protection in North Kivu.