The Walikale territory in North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, has once again plunged into deep insecurity following intense clashes between the FDLR rebel group and the Wazalendo Alliance, which is supported by the Kinshasa government.
The fighting erupted after a major attack on residents of Tuonane, in the Waloa Loanda area, on the morning of December 15, 2025. FDLR fighters, led by a man calling himself “Gen Mudayongwa,” launched the assault with the goal of driving residents out of their villages, setting all the homes in the area on fire.
Local authorities report that the FDLR initially demanded that Tuonane residents leave the village voluntarily, claiming they wanted to conduct agricultural and livestock activities there because Gen Mudayongwa had “bought” the land. The residents refused, insisting it had been their home for generations and that FDLR had no right to evict them.
Following the refusal, FDLR fighters carried out a violent attack, burning the entire Tuonane village house by house. Two civilians were killed, and many others, including women and children, fled to neighboring villages.
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After this violent act, fighters from the Mai Mai Kifuafua group, part of the Wazalendo Alliance, rushed to protect the residents and attacked FDLR positions. The ensuing battles lasted for several hours and took place in the hills surrounding Tuonane and along the roads leading to the Mishipo area.
Leaders in the Waloa Loanda area reported that a total of ten people were killed during the clashes. This included two civilians killed in the initial FDLR attack, two Mai Mai Kifuafua fighters, and six FDLR combatants killed in the fighting.
Reliable sources indicate that the FDLR had moved into the Mishipo area of Waloa Loanda two months prior, after leaving the Masisi territory, where it had clashed with other armed groups and government forces. In Mishipo, the FDLR established new bases, using them to plan further attacks.
Mai Mai Kifuafua confirmed that after this intense fighting, they are now controlling the Tuonane area and the surrounding hills, temporarily expelling FDLR from the area. However, they expressed concern that FDLR fighters could reappear, given their history of regrouping and returning unexpectedly.
Residents who fled Tuonane said that even though FDLR has been pushed out, fear remains high. Some reported having nowhere to go, their homes completely destroyed, crops ruined, and little hope of returning home soon.
The clashes again highlight how the Wazalendo Alliance, despite being supported by the DRC government, continues to confront heavily armed groups like FDLR, which have for many years contributed to insecurity, violence, and deep trauma for civilians in eastern Congo.
Security analysts say that the Walikale issue is unlikely to be resolved as long as FDLR and other armed groups continue to operate freely in rural areas, while the government relies on allied militias like Wazalendo instead of deploying fully capable national forces.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents of Tuonane and other parts of Waloa Loanda are still awaiting a lasting security solution. They hope the Congolese government will take strong measures to protect them and permanently dismantle FDLR bases and other longstanding armed groups.
