Fighting in North Kivu Forces More Families to Flee as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

NORTH KIVU, DR CONGO — The humanitarian crisis in the territories of Masisi and Walikale in North Kivu is worsening as renewed fighting between the AFC/M23 and forces allied with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army forces more families from their homes.

Fighting reported on Saturday, August 29, in the villages of Buruso and Biriko triggered fresh displacement towards Walikale-Centre, Hombo and other areas regarded by residents as safer.

In several villages across Masisi, residents have continued to flee amid growing insecurity. The army has accused the rebels of intensifying attacks in an effort to expand their area of occupation across the region.

On Sunday morning, dozens of families from Ufamandu I who had previously sought refuge in Kilambo and Busurungi, in the Waloa Loanda group of Walikale Territory, were forced to move again. Some headed towards Hombo and Walikale-Centre, while others reportedly continued towards Bukavu in neighbouring South Kivu.

Violent clashes trigger fresh displacement A local notable contacted by Radio Okapi said the latest population movements followed intense fighting throughout Saturday between AFC/M23 forces and a coalition of Wazalendo fighters allied with the FARDC.

The clashes were particularly concentrated around Buruso village in the Ufamandu I group of Masisi Territory and neighbouring Biriko village in the Waloa Loanda group of Walikale Territory.

Local sources say the continued advance of the rebels into new areas since August 13 has further aggravated an already severe humanitarian situation.

The villages of Ufamandu I and Ufamandu II are now reported to be almost entirely deserted, with residents leaving their homes in search of safety. The violence has also affected the Nyamaboko I group in the Osso-Banyungu sector. Military sources said on Saturday that they had shot down a kamikaze drone allegedly operated by AFC/M23 forces.

The latest displacement adds to the growing humanitarian pressure in North Kivu, where repeated fighting has left communities uprooted and many families struggling to find safe places to stay and access basic assistance. Source: Radio Okapi Radio Okapi report⁠�