South Kivu: AFC/M23 Reports Heavy Shelling from Burundian Forces

South Kivu, December 5, 2025 - The AFC/M23 coalition, engaged in fighting against DRC government forces, has confirmed that shells are falling in areas under its control in South Kivu Province, reportedly coming from Burundian troops.

Since the morning of December 5, combined forces of the DRC, Burundi, and Wazalendo have launched attacks on several parts of Uvira District, including Katogota, Kamanyola, and Luvungi Gurupoma.

The shelling in Luvungi camp forced numerous residents to flee to safer areas such as Sange, Runingu, Ndolera, and the city of Uvira.

Bertrand Bisimwa, AFC/M23 deputy leader for politics, said:"This morning, Burundian troops are shelling densely populated areas in Kamanyola, Katogota, and Luvungi, killing innocent people, including children, and destroying houses, schools, churches, and markets."

Images posted on social media by Bisimwa showed extensive damage to homes, with a local resident reporting six deaths near Ngomo Hill in Kamanyola.

AFC/M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed that Burundian forces have been shelling these populated areas for more than three days, asserting that their fighters remain committed to protecting civilians in the affected zones.

Keywords: AFC/M23, South Kivu, Burundi, DRC government, shelling, Kamanyola, Katogota, Luvungi, Bertrand Bisimwa, Lawrence Kanyuka, civilian displacement, conflict.