Between May 26 and May 31, 2025, at least 38 civilians, including women and children, were killed in Mutanda groupement, located in Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu Province, under the control of M23 rebels.
Kirima, was shot dead at the Kashalira market by unidentified armed men. Sabuni had reportedly been appointed by the M23 administration, which has controlled the area for several months.
Other acts of violence and insecurity were reported in Bambo and Tongo groupements, within the Bwito chiefdom, carried out by unidentified armed individuals.
Additionally, reports confirm that approximately 543 houses were burned, particularly in the villages of Marangara, Runzenze, Butare, Kanyangiri, Kasali, Kanyatsi, Mashango, Kibwe, Nyenyeri, and Buhambi, all located in North Kivu.
At the end of May, Wazalendo fighters also set fire to about ten houses in Butare village, suspecting the owners of collaborating with M23.
Despite a current lull in fighting, fear persists in the Bwito chiefdom, where residents remain isolated and in mourning, apprehensive about potential future attacks.
These events unfold as the M23/AFC recently released a 32-page report denying allegations of insecurity in areas under its control, instead accusing the Kinshasa government of orchestrating attacks against civilians, similar to those in Goma and Bukavu.
