A tragedy struck Bukavu’s Independence Square when an unidentified individual threw an explosive device into a gathering, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
The rally, led by members of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), including Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa, was abruptly disrupted by the blast, causing the crowd to quickly disperse.
Bukavu has been under the occupation of M23 rebels since February 16, 2025, and security-related incidents have escalated in recent days. Armed bandits have been terrorizing the population, robbing and killing civilians, particularly at night.
In some areas, communities have resorted to mob justice as a desperate means of self-defense, despite its illegal nature.
This explosion adds to the mounting pressure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has endured decades of conflict and instability.
