Seven Civilians Killed by M23 in Rutshuru Following Clashes with FARDC

At least seven civilians lost their lives in Rutshuru after the M23 rebel group retaliated following significant losses in a battle against the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and local self-defense fighters known as "Wazalendo." The deadly attack took place in the town of Kihondo, located in the Bwito chiefdom, on the evening of Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

According to reports, Wazalendo fighters ambushed M23 elements, inflicting heavy casualties on them both in personnel and equipment. In response, M23 fighters turned their frustration on civilians, mistaking them for Wazalendo members. The deputy governor’s representative in Bwito, Isaac Kibira, reported a provisional death toll of seven civilians and five others wounded, including three women.

"Around 5 p.m., heavy fighting broke out between Wazalendo and M23. The Wazalendo set up an ambush, causing significant losses to the M23. In retaliation, instead of protecting civilians, the M23 opened fire on motorcyclists and passengers on the road. Seven people were killed, and over five were injured," said Isaac Kibira in a statement.

Kibira condemned the M23 for repeatedly attacking innocent people whenever they faced setbacks on the battlefield. "This brutal behavior by the M23 continues to create fear and suffering in the region. The population is left without any form of protection. The M23 fails to distinguish between armed fighters and civilians, leading to indiscriminate shootings and civilian casualties," he lamented.

During the same events, Wazalendo fighters set fire to the house of an M23 fighter named Mugimba, who had previously been affiliated with the CNDP and past iterations of the M23 movement. This act was reportedly carried out as part of their resistance efforts against the rebel group.

Just a day before the Kihondo clashes, on Monday, January 14, 2025, local Wazalendo fighters ambushed and neutralized at least five M23 rebels near Kiseguro in the Binza group, within Rutshuru territory. Reports indicate that the M23 fighters were caught off guard while looting agricultural products from local farmers who had risked returning to their fields to harvest maize.

The ongoing violence continues to escalate tensions in Rutshuru, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict between armed groups.