South Kivu: calm return to Mwenga center after two days of clashes between wazalendo, at least 8 dead

At least eight people, including three civilians and five militiamen, were killed in clashes between rival Wazalendo factions in Mwenga territory, South Kivu.

Local civil society representatives said the violence stemmed from disputes over roadblocks set up across several parts of Mwenga, where travelers were forced to pay exorbitant fees.

“Disagreements arose between the Wazalendo and the FARDC regarding these paid barriers, as users of the RN2 Kamituga–Mwenga–Bukavu road were being charged between 20,000 to 100,000 Congolese francs at each checkpoint. Following a decision by Mwenga’s Security Council to dismantle the barriers, the Wazalendo resisted,” explained one civil society actor.

The fighting lasted nearly two days before subsiding. “We recorded at least eight deaths, including three civilians. Calm was restored after commander Nakiliba’s faction withdrew to Kigogo,” another civil society source confirmed.

The clashes also caused property damage and deepened hardship for locals. Residents say food prices continue to rise due to the poor state of the RN2 road, compounded by insecurity linked to the M23 rebellion.

“The people of Mwenga are calling on the government to take responsibility for Wazalendo fighters and to rehabilitate agricultural feeder roads as well as the Kasongo–Mwenga road,” urged Jean Pierre Le Mwanda, a civil society leader.

Mwenga has increasingly become a hotspot for rival armed groups. Earlier, clashes in Muhuzi also resulted in casualties. The territory borders Walungu, Uvira, Fizi, and Shabunda, making it a strategic hub.

Since M23 captured parts of eastern DRC, several armed groups have regrouped in Mwenga, using it as a base to coordinate their fight against the AFC/M23 and its allies.