South Kivu: Deadly Clashes Erupt Among Wazalendo Groups in Uvira and Fizi

Kigali, October 17, 2025 - Internal clashes among Wazalendo self-defense groups in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, left several people dead and others injured on Thursday, October 16, 2025, according to local civil society sources.

In Uvira territory, a faction led by a self-proclaimed commander known as “General Nyerere” exchanged fire with another group led by “General Makanaki” in the Biriba area of Runingu commune, leaving three people injured.

In a separate incident in Luvungi-Itara, also in Uvira, rival factions led by individuals identified as Kiyaye and Kangadadi clashed, injuring one person, civil society representatives said.

Fighting also spread to neighboring Fizi territory. In Kikonde commune, two rival wings of the Mai-Mai Biloze Bishambuke group turned on each other, resulting in the death of a senior Wazalendo fighter. The incident caused panic in the area.

“The commander died instantly and panic followed. All activities came to a halt as residents chose to stay indoors,” said a civil society member based in Fizi.

In another violent episode the same day, clashes in the Mutambala area of the Basimukuma Sud commune led to the killing of a young girl and her mother.

Local leaders have expressed concern over the continued insecurity caused by infighting among Wazalendo groups, who were initially mobilized to support government forces against foreign-backed rebel movements.

Mafikiri Mashimangou, head of a civil society organization operating in Uvira and Fizi, warned that instability in the Ruzizi Valley is worsening due to repeated confrontations.

“The provincial authorities must urgently convene a special security meeting with Wazalendo leaders operating in the Ruzizi Valley to coordinate their activities and prevent further bloodshed,” he said.

Uvira’s deputy territory administrator, Kifaru Kibonge Decky, confirmed that security officials held a crisis meeting on October 16 and discussed measures to prevent further clashes.

Despite the recent efforts, residents say fear remains high as rival militia groups continue to operate freely in the region, threatening fragile security gains.