In Rutshuru Territory, located in the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), intense fighting broke out this Monday morning in areas separating positions held by the Congolese government forces and the M23 rebel group, which has been active in parts of South Kivu.
On the morning of Monday, June 16, 2025, clashes erupted between the M23 rebels and a coalition of pro-government forces, including the FARDC (Congolese Armed Forces), Burundian troops, and armed militias such as Wazalendo, the FDLR, and Imbonerakure affiliated with Burundi’s CNDD-FDD ruling party.
According to local sources, the fighting occurred in the areas of Busumba and Bunkuba, located about 10 kilometers from the center of Mweso, in Bukombo Groupement, Bwito Chiefdom, within Rutshuru Territory.
Residents reported that heavy and light gunfire began around 6:00 a.m. and lasted until about 9:00 a.m..
As a result of the fighting, many civilians fled the area in large numbers, heading toward Buhumbira and other parts of Masisi Territory, which borders Rutshuru and where similar fighting has previously taken place.
Today’s battle follows another confrontation that occurred last week, in which the same pro-government coalition launched attacks against M23 forces, but were ultimately repelled.
It’s also reported that last week’s clashes in Katsiro led to hospital damage, with explosives hitting the facility, causing parts of the building to collapse.
