DR Congo Says More Than 1,500 Civilians Killed In Eastern Violence

KINSHASA, Xinhua: The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) said Wednesday that more than 1,500 civilians have been killed in escalating violence in the country’s eastern province of South Kivu since early December.

In a statement, the government said fighting has intensified in several areas of the province, particularly along the Kamanyola-Uvira axis, where armed operations have triggered large-scale displacement. Meanwhile, more than 500,000 people have been forced to flee their homes amid continuing insecurity.

The government said the front lines have gradually shifted southward, affecting multiple areas in South Kivu, including Uvira, Fizi and Mwenga.

The authorities attributed the escalation to armed groups operating in the region, accusing them of violating existing commitments and international humanitarian law.

The government reiterated its determination to restore state authority nationwide and to seek accountability for those responsible through diplomatic and judicial channels.

Eastern DRC has faced decades of instability, a situation that has worsened since the resurgence of the March 23 Movement rebel group in late 2021. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused neighboring Rwanda of backing the group, an allegation Kigali has denied.