Civil Society Reports 16 Villages Emptied by AFC/M23-Wazalendo Clashes in Masisi

The "Société civile forces vives" of Masisi said in a Sept 9 statement that at least 16 villages across the Katoyi and Osso-Banyungu sectors and the Bahunde chiefdom — Kazinga, Humura, Mukohwa, Kishee, Luho, Kikoma, Kibundi, Remeka, Kamuobe, Miano, Katuunda, Bulinda, Ngoyi, Kitobo, Mahya and Kyangitsi — have been emptied of their inhabitants over four weeks of escalating AFC/M23-Wazalendo clashes. Residents have fled mainly toward neighboring Walikale territory. The statement also cited systematic looting of civilian property and said the 2026-2027 school year had not taken hold in the affected areas. Civil society spokesperson Télesphore Mitondeke called the displacement, looting and disrupted schooling "regrettable."