Fresh Masisi Fighting Forces More Congolese Families to Flee

GOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — August 24, 2026 — A new wave of displacement is being reported in Masisi territory, North Kivu, as fighting between AFC/M23 rebels and Wazalendo fighters continues for a second week, placing more pressure on Congolese communities already living through prolonged insecurity.

According to Radio Okapi, families fled the villages of Bikunje, Kirambo and Mutindi in the Ufamandu I area over the weekend and moved toward neighboring Ufamandu II.

Radio Okapi reported that the three villages were largely emptied of their residents, with displaced families seeking refuge in localities including Kiterema, Biolo, Mbeshembeshe and Mangere.

The latest movement of civilians underlines the continuing human cost of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where local communities repeatedly bear the consequences when armed groups fight for control of territory.

AFC/M23 gains add pressure around Ufamandu

The new displacement comes days after AFC/M23 captured additional villages in the same part of Masisi.

Actualite.cd reported on August 21 that Chingete, Katuunda and Miko had fallen under AFC/M23 control following fighting on August 18, while Wazalendo fighters withdrew toward Mianda and Lulere.

The outlet said the rebel advance had also raised concern in neighboring Walikale territory because the newly occupied positions brought AFC/M23 closer to Biriko in the Waloa Loanda grouping.

For the DRC, the expansion of rebel-held positions inside North Kivu represents more than a battlefield shift. Each new area taken by an armed movement weakens the presence of the Congolese state, complicates civilian administration and increases the risk that more communities will be cut off from normal public services, trade routes and humanitarian assistance.