South Kivu – More than 1,000 Congolese refugees have fled to Rwanda in recent days as fighting intensifies in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The violence, which began on December 2, involves clashes between the AFC/M23 rebel group and a coalition of government forces, including Burundian troops.
Rwandan authorities have received a steady stream of refugees, with 115 more arriving by midday on Saturday, bringing the total to 1,069 this week alone. These refugees crossed through the Bugarama-Kamaniola border post, a locality near the Rwandan border where the fighting is particularly fierce.
Solange Bagalwa, 27, and her four children were among the latest arrivals. She described the harrowing conditions in her hometown of Kamaniola, where bombshells have been falling on homes and killing civilians. “We fled to Rwanda because back home there is a very bad situation,” Bagalwa told reporters. “Some people were killed and others injured. Then, we fled into the forest before arriving at the border this morning.” 
Noella Riziki, 45, also arrived with her 12 children after spending a night in the forest to escape the bombings. “The local church was hit by a bomb, and my neighbour’s house was destroyed. A pregnant woman was killed, and children were injured,” she said. “Now that we are in Rwanda, all we need is to be safe with our children and get something to eat. We will return home when peace has returned.”
The refugees are being temporarily hosted at Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Rusizi District.
The ongoing conflict between the Congolese government coalition and the AFC/M23 rebels has led to severe humanitarian consequences. Despite ceasefire agreements and peace talks in Doha, Qatar, the violence continues unabated.
The AFC/M23 group has accused the Congolese government coalition and Burundian forces of committing war crimes. Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the rebels, condemned Burundi’s involvement, stating that their actions have exacerbated the crisis. He further claimed that at least 23 civilians had been killed by Friday, adding to the growing list of victims caught in the crossfire.
