STORY: :: Hundreds flee in Congo's South Kivu after fresh bombardments and fighting are reported
:: Sange, Democratic Republic Of Congo
:: December 5, 2025
DISPLACED PERSON FURAHA JUMAPILI: "We had resisted and were patient, believing that it would pass, but this morning we saw bombs falling in the town and killing people. So we said no, since it has started killing people, we must leave and flee to follow developments from afar. But until now, there are still bombs. We left the military in the town, but bombs are falling in the town and we don't know who they belong to. We are confused."
Eastern Congo has faced a surge in violence in recent weeks despite renewed diplomatic efforts to end decades of conflict involving armed groups and cross-border tensions. The escalation has triggered repeated waves of displacement, adding to an already severe humanitarian crisis and straining communities hosting those fleeing clashes in North and South Kivu.
Displaced families arriving in Sange said explosions struck Luvungi earlier in the day, causing deaths and widespread panic, while others reported clashes around Katogota and cross-fire reaching nearby Kamanyola. The incidents prompted a mass flight from the area as residents sought safety further south.
