The city of Uvira, located in South Kivu Province of eastern DR Congo, has once again experienced bloodshed. Two civilians were shot and killed, and several others were seriously injured in a daytime attack on Monday night in the Karmeli area, also known as Talatala.
According to local residents and an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, the attack was carried out by Wazalendo fighters working together with Congo’s national army (FARDC).
The witness said: “It happened in Karmeli. Armed men shot and killed two civilians and badly injured another. It was done by Wazalendo and FARDC together.”
The victims were members of the Bavira ethnic group, which is mainly based in that area.
This attack happened just one week after another civilian, Kinyungu Sangephar, a member of the Bafulero ethnic group, was shot and killed in Mulongwe, another neighborhood in Uvira. That killing was also blamed on Wazalendo fighters.
Violence like this has become common in areas controlled by the Congolese army (FARDC), Wazalendo, and even Burundian forces.
Uvira has now become known among its residents as a city where peace no longer exists.
Analysts say the situation got worse after M23 rebels captured Bukavu and Kamanyola. This led to fighters from FARDC, Wazalendo, FDLR, and even the Burundian army retreating into Uvira and nearby areas.
Although these forces say they are fighting M23, local people say their presence is making life harder and creating insecurity in the region.
One resident said: “People are being killed every day. We have lost trust in the government.”
While the Congolese government claims to be working to restore peace, locals are calling on the international community to take action and stop the ongoing killings of civilians.
