This comes after on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, clashes erupted in the area between fighters of the AFC/M23 coalition and forces supporting the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, including FARDC, Burundian troops, and FDLR.

The fighting intensified, and by Wednesday evening, between 160 and 200 Congolese had crossed into Rwanda via the Bugarama-Kamanyola border to escape the violence.

One of the Congolese who fled said they left in dire circumstances, choosing to save their lives as the situation worsened.

He said: “Shells were falling constantly, including heavy rockets coming from Burundi that hit the places where we were. They wanted to destroy the AFC/M23 weapons stationed there.”

The resident also said that on Tuesday, December 2, the fighting continued throughout the day, and that one shell hit a local home, injuring two children and an adult.

He added: “Even pregnant women were traumatized by what was happening. The shells destroyed homes and injured children, all coming from Burundi.”

The Mayor of Rusizi District, Phanuel Sindayiheba, confirmed that around 160 Congolese were received in Rwanda after fleeing the fighting in their country.

He said: “Most of them were young children and women who had waited at the border seeking a safe place to rest, totaling around 160 people.”

In an interview Wednesday evening, the Mayor added that the authorities were preparing to provide these residents with a place to rest so they could feel safe, and that they might return home depending on how the situation evolves.

The AFC/M23 coalition has recently accused its opponents of violating the ceasefire agreements and claimed that Burundi continues to serve as a base for planning attacks in various areas.

The coalition also highlighted the ongoing impact of air and ground attacks by its adversaries, including children being injured.