At least 36 people have been killed in violent clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and Wazalendo militias in the eastern city of Uvira, according to local sources and civil society groups.
The fighting has triggered a wave of mass displacement, with thousands of civilians fleeing the area amid rising insecurity. Observers warn that the proliferation of weapons and ammunition distributed to local militias—many of which are fueled by anti-Tutsi ideology and xenophobic rhetoric—is deepening instability across South Kivu.
The latest violence follows a targeted attack on a bus carrying discriminated citizens known as Banyamulenge passengers, allegedly fired upon by Wazalendo fighters. The incident has heightened fears of escalating communal violence and ethnic profiling.
A Crisis Beyond Conventional Warfare
Security analysts and human rights advocates say the clashes in Uvira are not merely military confrontations but the result of a dangerous politicization of armed groups. The Congolese government’s strategy of relying on Wazalendo militias to counter rebel movements is increasingly viewed as counterproductive, undermining both national security and regional stability.
“The situation in Uvira reflects a broader failure to control militia networks and prevent ethnic manipulation,” said a local civil society leader. “Without urgent disarmament and robust civilian protection mechanisms, this crisis risks spiraling out of control.”
The United Nations and regional actors have yet to issue formal statements, but pressure is mounting for Kinshasa to reassess its security approach and prioritize inclusive peacebuilding.
As the death toll rises and displacement intensifies, Uvira stands as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between state authority and militia influence in eastern Congo—a balance now tipping dangerously toward chaos.
