The ongoing violence in the eastern province of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed the lives of over 1,500 civilians since the beginning of December last year, according to government sources.
The DRC government reported that the violence, which started in early December, has intensified in various areas of the province, particularly along the Kamanyola-Uvira axis. Armed clashes have led to large-scale displacement of residents.
According to the Chinese news agency Xinhua, more than 500,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing security threats in the region.
A government statement noted that the frontlines of the conflict have gradually shifted southward, affecting multiple areas, including Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga, which are now deeply impacted by the violence.
The government has blamed the escalating violence on active armed groups in the region, accusing them of violating existing agreements and international humanitarian laws.
In response, the DRC government reiterated its commitment to restoring state authority nationwide and promised to ensure accountability through diplomatic and judicial processes for those responsible for the violence.
Eastern DRC has long been plagued by instability, with the situation worsening after the resurgence of the M23 rebel group at the end of 2021. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the group, though Kigali has denied the allegations.
Source: Mehr News.