Walikale Territory, in North Kivu Province, has once again found itself in a security crisis as residents of five villages fled from armed groups, including the FDLR, which has been collaborating with government-backed forces to fight the AFC/M23.
On Monday, residents from the villages of Bonde la Afia, Tuonane, Bunyamwimbwa, Kifuruka, and Kilambo left their homes and headed to the town of Busurungi in search of basic safety and protection.
Reliable sources from local authorities reported that the FDLR, led by a commander calling himself Gen Mudayongwa, carried out a major attack on the village of Tuonane on Sunday. They burned down all houses, killed two civilians, and forced many others to flee. The main objective of this attack was to turn the area into a stronghold against AFC/M23 forces.
Residents said they fear FDLR violence, particularly recalling the events of 2012 in Busurungi, Chambucha, Mianga, and Malembe, where many people were killed, houses were destroyed, and fear was widespread.
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One displaced resident said:
“We fled our homes and came to Busurungi seeking safety. But our hearts are still full of fear because of what we witnessed in the past. The FDLR still terrifies us greatly.”
Following the FDLR attack, Mai Mai Kifuafua, a faction within the Wazalendo alliance supported by the government, quickly moved to assist residents and halt FDLR’s terror activities. The fighting continued for many hours in the hills surrounding Tuonane and along the routes leading to Mishipo.
Authorities reported that ten people were killed during the clashes: two civilians by FDLR, two Mai Mai Kifuafua fighters, and six FDLR fighters. Mai Mai Kifuafua confirmed that FDLR was temporarily driven out but expressed concern that they might return unexpectedly.
Reports indicate that FDLR had been in the Mishipo area for two months after leaving Masisi, where they clashed with national army forces and other armed groups. This armed group aimed to establish the area as a new base for planning violent operations.
Residents said that even though FDLR has been temporarily expelled, fear remains high. All their homes were burned, crops destroyed, and there is no easy way to return to their villages. Many said they have little hope of rebuilding, especially those with young children and women suffering from the displacement.
One displaced resident said:
“We want to return to our villages, but we fear that these fighters may come back to harass us again. We need the government to show that it can protect us permanently.”
