The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that thousands of civilians were displaced by intense fighting across several territories in North Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), throughout September 2025
According to OCHA, the clashes involved multiple armed groups operating in Walikale, Masisi, and Rutshuru territories areas that have long been plagued by insecurity.
In Bwito chiefdom in Rutshuru, fighting was recorded in Mirangi, Mungui, Rugarama, and Musayi, forcing an estimated 7,950 families to flee toward Kibirizi, Kiwanja, and Kinyandoni.
Between September 4 and 27, recurrent hostilities were also reported in parts of Masisi including Lwibo, Buabo, Kasongo, and Kinyaogo driving thousands of residents to seek refuge in Ihana groupement in Walikale and in Masisi center, which has already been hosting more than 44,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) since July.
Further fighting was documented in Ndete and Lukweti, extending into Bibwe and Nyabikeri, with residents fleeing toward Nyabiondo and Walikale centers.
In Walikale territory, several clashes took place along the Mpeti Pinga road, displacing thousands more. On September 26, an armed group ordered civilians in 12 villages within Kisimba groupement to evacuate ahead of expected heavy fighting. OCHA confirmed that nearly all residents fled the area.
Many of the displaced sought refuge in Rusamambu, Kateku, and Buleusa, but humanitarian agencies say living conditions remain dire due to a shortage of food, shelter, and basic services.
The violence in Ikobo (Walikale) and Bwito (Rutshuru) has also affected Lubero territory, where between August and September, about 15,000 families reportedly arrived in Kayna seeking safety.
Fighting continues across much of North Kivu, particularly in Walikale, where residents are still fleeing amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
On October 14, renewed clashes erupted in Malemo village, Bashali Mokoto groupement in Masisi, following earlier confrontations in Birihi and Ndeko during the preceding days.
According to local leader Mwami Kitwana Ngulu Séraphin, the recent fighting forced more than 1,000 people to flee to nearby areas, including Mutongo and Misheeshe in Ihana groupement, Walikale.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
