Rusamambu and Buleusa Receive New Displaced Families After Fighting in Kalonge

Walikale, January 14, 2026 -Fresh waves of displacement have been reported in Walikale territory, North Kivu, as residents flee renewed clashes between AFC/M23 rebels and Wazalendo fighters of the Coalition of Movements for Change (CMC). Since Monday, January 12, population movements have intensified following fighting in Mulema locality, within the Kisimba group. As a result, residents of Kalonge have sought refuge in Rusamambu and Buleusa, both located in the neighboring Ikobo group, while Kalonge itself remains under AFC/M23 control. This new displacement wave further deepens the humanitarian crisis in the area, where communities have already been severely affected by prolonged insecurity since the occupation of parts of the Wanianga sector by the rebels. Local authorities have issued urgent appeals to humanitarian organizations to provide emergency assistance to the displaced families, many of whom fled without belongings, food, or shelter. Meanwhile, the local population movement monitoring committee has begun registering newly displaced households, adding to those who have been living in the area without aid since February 2025, highlighting the growing strain on host communities and already limited resources.