Heavy fighting has flared up once again in Fizi Territory, South Kivu Province, with the AFC/M23 rebel movement claiming it has seized several strategic areas in the Hauts Plateaux (High Plateaus) following drone strikes targeting positions held by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and Burundian troops.
According to security sources and local residents, on Friday, July 3, 2026, drones reportedly operated by the M23-Twirwaneho alliance carried out strikes on FARDC and Burundian military positions in Mulima, located in Bashilocha Groupement of Tanganyika Sector.
The same sources claim that 24 FARDC and Burundian soldiers were killed, while 52 others were wounded and evacuated to hospitals in Baraka and Fizi Centre.
Civilian casualties were also reported, with two children from the same family killed by shelling and another child injured.
In the early hours of Saturday, July 4, AFC/M23 announced that it had taken control of Baluta, Point Zéro, and Bikyaka, as well as several other strategic locations, including Kanguli, Mulima, Ngúlúbe, Nakiele, and Lúsúkú.
The claims were also echoed by Freddy Kaniki, who identifies himself as M23’s Vice Governor for North Kivu. In a statement, he called on the Banyamulenge community to return to the High Plateaus. Reports indicate that the announcement prompted many civilians to flee toward Mukera, Kichula, Baraka, and Fizi Centre amid growing security concerns.
Meanwhile, a senior FARDC officer, speaking anonymously to the media, reportedly said government forces had lost drone support after technicians responsible for operating the aircraft suspended their work, citing months of unpaid salaries.
No Official Confirmation from Kinshasa
As of publication, neither FARDC nor the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has issued an official statement confirming or denying AFC/M23’s claims regarding the capture of the areas.
Communication disruptions across much of Fizi have also made it difficult for journalists and independent observers to verify developments on the ground.
The renewed clashes come as regional peace efforts aimed at ending the conflict in eastern DRC continue, although the security situation remains fragile, particularly in South Kivu, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of escalating violence.
Icyitegetse Florentine
Rwandatribune.rw
