By Frank Ulom
KINSHASA (CONVERSEER) – Fresh fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has triggered a new wave of displacement, with thousands fleeing villages in South Kivu as clashes between the Congolese Armed Forces and M23 rebels intensify. Families carrying their belongings were seen trekking through the region over the weekend, escaping what residents described as relentless bombardment.
The situation worsened on Saturday when heavy shelling pounded Luvungi and the surrounding communities. Many residents fled in haste as bombs continued to fall. Mulumbulwa Gabriel, a displaced resident of Luvungi, said the sustained attacks left several people dead in his neighbourhood. He added that the violence forced him and others to abandon their homes in search of safety.
Fighting has escalated since Tuesday, affecting Katogota, Kamanyola and nearby settlements. Local sources reported around twenty civilian deaths, heightening concerns about the growing humanitarian crisis. Witnesses spoke of panic and confusion as families scattered to avoid incoming fire.
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Aline Sambuka, among those fleeing to Uvira, appealed for urgent intervention. She said many villagers had been killed in the bombardments, but expressed relief at surviving with her children. She called on authorities to restore peace so that displaced communities could return home and rebuild their lives.
The surge in violence comes only days after a moment of optimism. On Thursday, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame signed a peace agreement in Washington aimed at easing tensions and restoring stability in eastern Congo. That optimism has quickly faded, with both sides now accusing each other of violating a ceasefire that, according to residents, never held on the ground.
Humanitarian workers warn that the renewed conflict risks worsening displacement in a region already struggling with limited access to shelter, food and medical support.
