The AFC/M23 coalition, which opposes the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has announced that the FDLR rebel group killed a woman and her five children in Rutshuru Territory.
AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the civilians were killed in an attack allegedly carried out by the FDLR in the Kabizo/Butare area of Bwito Chiefdom, Rutshuru Territory, on the night of July 2, 2026.
“This genocidal armed group attacked the family of a local administrative leader, Mr. Rugamba, killing his wife and their five children,” Kanyuka said.
Rugamba’s wife, who was killed in the attack, was identified as Tuombe Maniragaba. The five children killed alongside her were Sifiwe Rugamba, Dorika Rugamba, Emery Rugamba, Mariam Rugamba, and Divine Rugamba.
Kanyuka further alleged that the FDLR continues to kill Congolese civilians with the support and backing of the DRC government. He stated that AFC/M23 is prepared to defend the civilian population by all means available.
A United Nations Group of Experts report released in late June 2026 states that the FDLR continues to operate in several parts of North Kivu and collaborates with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and Wazalendo militias.
According to the report, this cooperation contradicts the peace agreement signed in Washington, D.C., in June 2025, under which the DRC government committed to dismantling the FDLR within 90 days.
