Six FDLR fighters were killed in clashes with the Democratic Republic of Congo-backed Wazalendo coalition in Walikale territory.
The fighting began when FDLR fighters, led by a man who called himself ‘Gen Mudayongwa’, attacked residents of Tuonane on the morning of December 15, 2025, burning down the entire village.
The FDLR launched this attack after asking residents to leave their village to engage in farming and ranching activities because Gen Mudayongwa had allegedly bought it, but they refused.
After residents burned down their houses, two died, and others fled to villages near Tuonane, fighters from the Mai Mai Kifuafua group in Wazalendo went to confront the FDLR.
Officials in the Waloa Loanda commune, where the fighting took place, said the death toll had risen to 10. Among them were two civilians, two Mai Mai fighters and six FDLR fighters.
FDLR fighters who have been wreaking havoc in Tuonane have set up bases in the Mishipo area of the Waloa Loanda commune, after withdrawing from Masisi territory two months ago.
Mai Mai Kifuafua confirms that after the fighting, they are in control of the Tuonane area and the surrounding hills, but residents are still afraid that fighting could break out again.
