Six people were killed in clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and fighters from the Wazalendo coalition near the Kavimvira border post, which links the DRC to Burundi.
The fighting broke out on the morning of August 25, 2025, when Wazalendo attempted to block a convoy coming from Burundi that was transporting the body of Colonel Gisore Patrick, a DRC battalion commander who recently died in a plane crash near Kisangani.
Among those reportedly blocked by Wazalendo fighters were the Governor of South Kivu Province, Jean-Jacques Purusi—appointed by the central government—along with civilians and soldiers accompanying Colonel Gisore’s remains from Bujumbura.
Following the incident, the FARDC’s “Panther” battalion, which controls the Kavimvira border, overpowered the Wazalendo fighters. In retaliation, on August 26, Wazalendo launched a counterattack with the aim of seizing control of the strategic border crossing in Uvira territory.
Reports from Uvira indicate that the fighting lasted six hours, beginning at dawn. Residents living near the border fled in fear, suspending their daily activities.
Overall, six people were confirmed dead and many others wounded. The Congolese army reported that one of its soldiers was killed, while five Wazalendo fighters lost their lives.
Lt. Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji, spokesperson for FARDC in South Kivu, confirmed that 14 Wazalendo fighters who attempted to resist government forces were captured and handed over to their commander.
Governor Purusi warned that continued clashes between FARDC and Wazalendo could benefit the AFC/M23 coalition, which controls Bukavu and several other areas of South Kivu. He has since convened an emergency meeting between both sides in an effort to ease tensions.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
