Eastern DRC: At least 35 civilians massacred by pro-government militiamen
A new bloodbath in North Kivu
The east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to be the scene of deadly violence. On the night of Wednesday March 5 to Thursday March 6, 2025, at least 35 civilians were killed in a bloody attack by pro-government militiamen in the village of Tambi, in Masisi territory, North Kivu province.
A zone under constant tension
This territory is currently under the control of the M23 (March 23rd Movement) rebel group, an armed faction backed by Rwanda, according to Kinshasa and several UN reports. The region, marked by recurrent clashes between government forces, local militias and rebel groups, is experiencing an alarming deterioration in security, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
The attackers and their motives
According to local security sources, the assault was carried out by so-called “Wazalendo” militiamen, fighters trained and equipped by the Congolese government to fight against the M23. These irregular armed groups, made up mainly of young civilians hastily enlisted, often operate without strict control, sometimes carrying out indiscriminate attacks against populations accused of collaborating with the rebels.
The human toll is still uncertain
The number of victims could be revised upwards, as several bodies have yet to be found. Residents have also reported the seriously wounded and missing, while a number of houses have been burnt down. This attack is part of a cycle of violence ravaging the region, where the involvement of local militias in targeted massacres is causing great concern among NGOs and the international community.
A humanitarian disaster in the making
Since the outbreak of fighting in 2022, the conflict in North Kivu has displaced more than 800,000 people, according to the United Nations. Refugee camps, already saturated, are struggling to provide adequate assistance to displaced populations. The delivery of humanitarian aid is hampered by persistent insecurity and repeated attacks on convoys.
Conclusion: A crisis that’s getting bogged down
As diplomatic negotiations stagnate and clashes continue, the eastern DRC remains trapped in a cycle of violence in which civilians are paying the heaviest price. The attack on Tambi is a reminder of the urgent need for a firmer international response to stabilize the region, disarm the uncontrolled militias and put an end to the suffering of the local population.
