On Saturday, June 28, 2025, heavy fighting broke out in Birambizo, located in Bukombo Groupement, Rutshuru Territory, in the North Kivu Province, between M23 rebels and fighters from the VDP/CMC militia, led by a man who calls himself General Dominique Ndaruhutse.
The clashes began around 6:00 a.m., with intense gunfire, including both heavy and light weapons, heard in several parts of the area.
Many residents, especially those from the Bwito Chiefdom, immediately began fleeing to safer areas untouched by the conflict. Those who couldn’t flee took shelter in their homes, according to local sources.
The fighting is still ongoing and follows weeks of clashes in the areas of Tongo, Bamboo, Kihondo, Kiyeye, Nyarubande, Burambo, and Muhanga.
Both sides—M23 and the VDP/CMC militia allied with the Wazalendo coalition—are fighting to gain control over more territory in Rutshuru, severely affecting the local population.
Although no official death toll has been released so far, eyewitnesses reported that last week’s battle in Kiyeye and Nyanzale resulted in many deaths. Others were forced to flee, with homes either burned or destroyed by gunfire, leaving families homeless.
Leaders of local civil society organizations and local authorities are urgently calling for an end to the fighting so that people can regain peace and security in their daily lives.
