Seven Killed in Fresh Clashes Between Wazalendo and FARDC in Uvira

UVIRA, South Kivu - Two days of violent clashes between Wazalendo militias and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have left 11 people dead, including combatants from both sides and civilians. The confrontation erupted on November 23, 2025, after FARDC troops blocked Wazalendo fighters attempting to loot humanitarian aid from the World Food Programme (WFP) destined for vulnerable residents of Uvira.

According to Lt. Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji, spokesman for FARDC operations in South Kivu, the initial fighting left four people dead-a government soldier, two Wazalendo combatants, and one civilian-while 14 others were injured.

Updated casualty figures released on November 25 indicate that five of the injured later died at the Uvira hospital, raising the death toll.

Fighting resumed on November 24, paralyzing daily activities in the city, with residents forced to close businesses and shelter indoors. That day, two additional people were killed and two others wounded.

FARDC confirmed that the two days of clashes resulted in the deaths of three government soldiers, three Wazalendo fighters, and several civilians whose number has not been fully disclosed.

This is not the first confrontation between the two forces. In September 2025, heavy fighting also erupted in Uvira when Wazalendo combatants attempted to expel Brig Gen Olivier Gasita, accusing him of being Umunyamulenge and therefore unfit to command operations in the region.

The latest clashes underscore FARDC’s growing difficulty in controlling Wazalendo militias, raising concerns among government officials. The internal friction threatens to undermine efforts to conduct coordinated operations against AFC/M23 rebels in strategic zones, including Uvira, where unity between security forces is crucial.