Thirty-six people were killed in clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and militias under the Wazalendo coalition in Uvira territory, while 19 others were injured.
The clashes took place in the Sange area, which in recent days has been under the joint control of the DRC army, Burundian forces, and Wazalendo militias—all of which are allied in fighting the AFC/M23 coalition.
South Kivu Province has recently witnessed intense fighting. The coalition of the DRC government forces is under heavy pressure after losing several areas, including Katogota, Rurambo, Luvungi, Luberizi, and Bwegera.
Information from South Kivu indicates that on December 7, 2025, as the DRC army was retreating from the frontline and arrived in Sange on its way to transport weapons and other equipment toward the town of Uvira, the Wazalendo militias opposed the move.
Wazalendo insisted that even if the DRC forces sought refuge in Uvira, they had to surrender their weapons and ammunition so that Wazalendo could use them in the fight against AFC/M23.
A heated dispute broke out, escalating into open fighting between the two sides. During the confrontation, one of the parties fired a heavy explosive, killing 36 people—both civilians and soldiers—and injuring 19 others.
The SOS Medias Burundi platform reported that among those killed in the clashes were seven Burundian soldiers.
