Ongoing clashes between the Wazalendo militia and M23 rebel forces have plunged communities in the Tongo and Bambo groupements of Rutshuru Territory into fear and instability. According to multiple local testimonies, the violence has particularly impacted the villages of Kabizo, Butare, Bundabi, and surrounding areas.
Villagers say they are now unable to access their farmland due to fear of attacks and atrocities by armed groups. This has not only disrupted their daily routines but also jeopardized their ability to survive.
“We can’t go to our fields anymore. If you try, you risk being killed or raped,” said one resident from Butare.
Basic services such as schooling, markets, and healthcare have been nearly paralyzed, residents report. In an effort to protect themselves from sexual violence, killings, and looting, many families have fled to villages perceived as relatively safer. Despite this, some small markets still operate under challenging conditions — but with significant shortages of food, crops, and essential goods.
Several humanitarian organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Action Against Hunger (ACF), are working in affected villages such as Bambo, Kabizo, Kirumba, and Kishishe. However, the needs are far greater than the assistance available.
“People are suffering. Malnutrition is spreading fast,” said one local humanitarian worker. “Some are trying to farm, but insecurity makes it almost impossible.”
Food prices have soared. A 120 kg bag of cassava, a dietary staple, now sells for between 15,000 and 25,000 Congolese Francs (around USD 9), making it unaffordable for many.
“Mothers can no longer buy a loincloth. Children don’t attend school regularly, and some have dropped out altogether,” lamented another villager. “Teachers have not been paid, so schools have stopped functioning.”
In villages such as Ngoroba, Mutanda, Kashaliro, and Bukombo, local sources report that armed bandits continue to loot homes, while Wazalendo fighters allegedly impose a USD 10 tax on every adult male.
“We’re being taxed just to survive. It’s unbearable,” a resident from Bwito stated.
