Eastern DRC: Violence Against Civilians Surges in November

Eastern DRC - December 18, 2025 - Violence against civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo saw a sharp increase in November 2025, despite a slight decline in overall security incidents.

According to a recent assessment, 289 civilians were killed in November, up from 205 in October, even though reported security incidents fell by 5 percent to 226 cases. Lubero territory in North Kivu, particularly the Bapere sector and Baswagha chiefdom, remains the epicenter of violence, with 121 civilians killed, including 22 women.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) were identified as the deadliest armed group, active in North Kivu and Ituri, while the AFC/M23 coalition continues its expansion to the west and south of the country, despite the recent Doha agreement signed on November 15.

These developments have prompted intensified operations by the FARDC, notably in the Mwenga highlands of South Kivu, as the government seeks to curb the growing threats to civilians and regional stability.