A least 190 Congolese refugees, mostly women and children, fled to Rwanda through Rusizi District on Wednesday 3, December 2025 seeking safety after intense fighting between the AFC/M23 rebels and the Congolese army in South Kivu province.
Rusizi District Mayor, Phanuel Sindayiheba, confirmed this development, saying that the group of refugees crossed into Rwanda through the Bugarama-Kamanyola border post. They are currently being hosted at Nyarushishi Transit Center.
“It is true that a group of 190 Congolese refugees from parts of the DR Congo bordering Bugarama Sector have crossed into Rwanda,” stated Sindayiheba.
“Most of them said they are fleeing from ongoing insecurity since yesterday. We have received them, as our country is always open for people seeking refuge.”
The Mayor explained that the refugees had been provided with emergency support while further procedures are set to continue tomorrow when they have settled.
Rwanda hosts about 100,000 Congolese refugees, some of whom have lived in camos for nearly three decades.
Media reports indicate that AFC/M23 rebels who control swathes of territory in eastern Congo, including Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, have resumed heavy clashes with the Congolese army and its allies, including forces from Burundi and the Wazalendo militia. Heavy gunfire and bomb blasts were reportedly heard across the border, near Rwanda.
The fight intensifies while a peace agreement expected to be signed today in Washington between the government of DR Congo and Rwanda to stop the conflict. Eight heads of states are to witness the signing ceremony.
The renewed clashes come barely one month after the two sides signed a framework for peace in Doha. Clashes have been continuing since April when the Qatar-brokered peace talks began.
