Large Criminal Activity
M23‑linked attack kills dozens in North Kivu
Suspected M23‑linked fighters launched a deadly assault on civilians in North Kivu, leaving dozens dead and many injured in a brazen daytime raid.
On March 26, 2026, armed men widely believed to be aligned with the Rwandan‑backed M23 movement carried out a coordinated attack on several villages along the Masisi–Walikale axis in North Kivu province. Witnesses reported that the assailants entered the settlements in broad daylight, opened fire on residents, and set homes ablaze, causing widespread panic and displacement. Local authorities and humanitarian sources say at least 30 civilians were killed and over 50 injured, though the true toll may be higher as some remote areas remain inaccessible. The Congolese army (FARDC) and allied Wazalendo militias subsequently launched counter‑operations in the surrounding hills, intensifying an already volatile front line in eastern DRC. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by armed groups and the deteriorating security environment for civilians in the region.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Near Masisi–Walikale axis, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Date added
- 2026-03-26 02:14 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-26 02:14 UTC
- Source
- Congo War Security Review
- Connected threats
- Not provided