Luhihi: closure of mining site by M23 leads to surge in crime

Since the closure of the Luhihi artisanal mining site by AFC/M23 rebels on 30 August 2025, the security situation has deteriorated significantly in this area located in the territory of Kabare and part of the city of Bukavu, in South Kivu. The ban on access to the site has led to a mass exodus of artisanal miners from North Kivu, South Kivu and neighbouring countries.

Since then, the area has been plagued by a resurgence of burglaries, armed assaults, thefts and murders, particularly in nearby neighbourhoods such as Mulambula, Cikonyi in Bagira, and Irambo in the commune of Ibanda, according to civil society. This citizen group attributes these acts to young people who have become idle since the site was closed.

Security agents deployed by M23 leaders have arrested at least four people suspected of committing these acts, but the situation remains difficult to contain, according to witnesses. A new armed incursion in Ishungu has left one person dead and several injured.

Mapenzi Manyebwa, a civil society activist, condemns this situation and calls for urgent action to restore security and end the spiral of violence.