At least seven civilians have been killed in a deadly exchange of fire between the Congolese army and allied militia forces.
The incident unfolded Monday in a village near Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, according to local sources. Reports suggest the clashes involved the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the Wazalendo militia group, which typically fights alongside the army.
Thierry Gasisiro, a civil society leader, described the event as an unexpected tragedy for the village residents. He confirmed seven civilians, including women and a child, were shot dead, with four others injured.
Gasisiro noted the cause of the clash remains unknown, speculating it could have been a mistake. “We are shocked by what has happened,” he said, emphasizing the confusion surrounding the deadly confrontation.
Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the death toll. A local official claimed eight civilians died alongside four Congolese soldiers and one Wazalendo fighter. Meanwhile, a military source reported seven civilian fatalities and two Wazalendo deaths.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been marred by violence for decades, fueled by conflicts involving local and foreign armed groups. Since 2021, the Rwanda-backed M23 militia has seized large areas of territory, intensifying the region’s instability.
In recent days, M23 rebels have advanced closer to key towns, threatening the vital commercial hub of Butembo. This follows a reshuffle in the armed forces led by President Felix Tshisekedi, who replaced the army chief last week.
The mineral-rich region remains a hotbed of conflict, with its troubled history rooted in the regional wars of the 1990s. Thousands continue to suffer as fighting and displacement persist.