The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have accused the M23/AFC coalition of killing 17 civilians on Sunday, June 22, 2025, around 6:30 PM in Munzinzi village, located in Ngweshe Chiefdom, Walungu Territory, South Kivu Province.
In a statement released on Monday, June 23, 2025, FARDC added that many houses were also burned down, and terrified civilians were forced to flee to nearby military camps for safety.
The statement signed by FARDC spokesperson Gen. Sylvain Ekenge reads:
“The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo strongly condemn this massacre and call on the population to remain vigilant.”
According to FARDC, civilians were targeted by the enemy (AFC/M23) for allegedly collaborating with government forces and local militias known as Wazalendo.
Since late last week, reports from sources close to the government indicate heavy fighting around Bukavu, where FARDC accuses M23/AFC of attacking its positions.
FARDC’s statement comes just one day after M23/AFC issued its own declaration, denouncing what it called propaganda aimed at tarnishing its image. In turn, it accused the Kinshasa government side of committing heinous crimes against civilians — including acts of cannibalism — reportedly carried out in public.
