Lubutu authorities have called for military reinforcements after recent clashes between the FARDC and Mai-Mai fighters loyal to self-proclaimed General Bukuyi left at least six people dead, including three civilians, according to an Actualité.cd reports.

Jean-Claude Sinani Bin Masudi, the administrator of Lubutu territory in Maniema province, said the appeal followed fighting reported between Saturday, June 6, and Monday, June 8. He said 14 people were wounded, houses were burned, and the militia incursion was aimed at seizing FARDC weapons.

The administrator also reported that at least 32,000 people had been displaced along the Maiko and Kisangani roads.

Wider humanitarian reporting has previously linked displacement in Maniema to tensions involving Mai-Mai groups and FARDC operations, while Agenzia Fides has reported that Lubutu has also hosted displaced people fleeing insecurity from nearby Walikale in North Kivu.

Sinani said the situation was under FARDC control but insisted that additional troops were needed to protect civilians and support the return of displaced residents.

Previous reporting has also documented repeated clashes involving FARDC and fighters linked to Bukuyi in Lubutu, pointing to a recurring local security problem rather than an isolated incident.