At least 54 civilians killed in clashes between army and rebels in DR Congo

At least 54 civilians, including pregnant women, students, and children, perished during intense fighting between the Congolese army and the rebel M23 movement in Fizi territory, South Kivu province, local authorities confirmed.

The clashes, which intensified over the weekend, also resulted in the destruction of roads, health centers, livestock, and farmlands. The deteriorating security situation has forced a large number of residents to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring villages and the town of Baraka.

“

We have already counted 54 deaths among the civilian population, including pregnant women, students, children, and internally displaced persons.

Local administrator Samy Kalonji Badibanga appealed to the international community for understanding, describing the situation in Fizi and South Kivu as "dramatic." He condemned the ongoing drone bombardments contributing to the conflict, which he stated is fueled by the M23, allegedly backed by neighboring Rwanda.

The conflict in eastern Congo, a region abundant in minerals crucial for the technology industry, has been ongoing since the 1990s. Despite the presence of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (Monusco), rebel groups and the army continue to clash. Recent escalations saw the M23 capture Goma and Bukavu in early 2025. Despite a peace agreement signed in December 2025, both Congolese and Rwandan presidents accuse each other of violations.

“

We call on the international community to understand that the situation the population of South Kivu in general, and that of Fizi territory in particular, is going through is dramatic.