Reliable information from the city of Uvira, in South Kivu Province, indicates that the number of people shot dead overnight has increased significantly, further heightening fear and insecurity among residents.
9Initial reports had indicated that five people were killed. However, information obtained by Minembwe Capital News from security sources confirms that on the night of Monday into Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the death toll exceeded ten. Investigations and searches for additional bodies are still ongoing, as some families report that their relatives are missing.
These events occurred after numerous gunshots were heard throughout the city during the night, reportedly fired by FARDC forces in collaboration with the FDLR and Wazalendo militias. Among those so far identified as killed is a man from the Bapfulero community named Cadeau, a driver who was killed in the Kambulungu area. He was accused of collaborating with the M23 group although FARDC has not provided any evidence to support these allegations.
Another victim, Mayele, was shot dead in Kavimvira. There was also another person killed in the Nyamianda neighborhood, while the names of many others have not yet been identified. These atrocities occurred while the city of Uvira is under the control of FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo forces, following the withdrawal of AFC/M23 from the city on the night of Saturday last week.
Residents say the actions of forces fighting on the side of the government are unbearable and are calling for the establishment of lasting security. Some residents state that when M23 controlled the city, they experienced peace and security after it took over in December 9, 2025.
They say pressure from the United States led M23 to withdraw in support of peace talks, but the consequences of that decision continue to be felt in the daily lives of civilians.
One resident of Uvira said: “We have no security people are forced to stay inside their homes.” He added: “If M23 were willing to return and rescue us from these thieves, we would welcome it we do not want them at all.”
In addition to the killings, FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo forces are also accused of looting civilian property, stealing, and destroying infrastructure in both state institutions and private businesses that were operating in Uvira.
These actions are severely disrupting the economy and the livelihoods of residents.The population is calling for urgent humanitarian intervention, the establishment of stable security, and an independent investigation into what happened, so that those responsible for these crimes are held accountable and the city of Uvira can be restored to a path of lasting peace.
