FARDC-FRN fighting drives 1,500 households to Walikale
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Le Potentiel
In the Itebero health zone, in Walikale territory in North Kivu, nearly 1,500 households fleeing fighting in Bunyakiri, in Kalehe territory in South Kivu, are in a worrying humanitarian situation. Clashes between the Congolese army and rebels from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation have lasted since 6 November 2026, according to the area’s population movement committee.
About 1,500 households that fled violence in Bunyakiri, in Kalehe territory in South Kivu, have taken refuge in the Itebero health zone, in Walikale territory in North Kivu, Le Potentiel reports. These families left their villages after fighting resumed on 6 November 2026 between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and rebels from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN).
According to the area’s population movement committee, the displaced people have mainly settled in villages between Hombo Nord and Karete. They come notably from Bitale, Bulambika, Fumya, Ndando, Irangi and Hombo Sud, areas badly affected by insecurity. Having abandoned their homes, economic activities and livelihoods, these families have lost much of their resources and now depend on the solidarity of host families whose accommodation capacity is itself limited.
This pressure is increasing the vulnerability risks for local communities in terms of food, housing and access to healthcare. The priority needs identified include food, medical care, shelter and essential household goods, as well as support for host families.
This new exodus adds to a series of clashes between the Congolese army and the FRN in the east of the country: fighting has spread to five territories in South Kivu since 6 November, and the FARDC have launched an offensive to retake Kambali in South Kivu.
Update of 13 November 2026: Fighting between the FRN and the FARDC, supported by the Wazalendo, is continuing for a second day in Kambali, near Bulambika in South Kivu, after the army launched an offensive the previous day to retake the locality, according to Actualité.cd. Read: South Kivu: fighting between the FRN and the army continues in Kambali.
