North Kivu: Thousands Displaced by M23 Live in Precarious Conditions in Rutshuru

Rutshuru, North Kivu - December 2025 - Nearly 4,700 families, or 23,580 people, have been forcibly displaced from the Walikale territory by M23 rebels and are now living in extremely precarious conditions along the Birundule-Iyobora-Bulindi axis in the Kibirizi health zone of Rutshuru.

The displaced families originate from villages including Ikobo, Kateku, Mukigi, Lubwe, and Kasungu. They are scattered across Bulindi, Buheri, Birundule, and Iyobora, joining thousands of other families already present, putting additional strain on host communities that are already weakened by insecurity and deprived of access to their land.

Reports indicate that the M23 justified the evictions citing “security reasons” before conducting sweep operations, which triggered a mass exodus toward southern Lubero and northern Bwito. Local committees have highlighted the urgent need for food aid, household essentials, and humanitarian support, even as interventions in health, water, hygiene, and sanitation sectors are underway.

Humanitarian agencies are calling for accelerated assistance to prevent further deterioration of living conditions among the displaced population.