DRC: 9 civilians killed in mortar strike on market in South Kivu

What the report says

At least nine civilians were killed and several others injured when a mortar shell hit a crowded section of Rumbishi Market in Ziralo, South Kivu province, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to The Observer. Local residents said the strike happened on Friday around 5:45 p.m., with some people dying at the scene and others later from their injuries. Casualties were taken to Numbi hospital, and resident-shared videos and photos reportedly showed people running from the area and wounded civilians seeking help.

The attack took place in an area under the control of the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC), and the group and the Congolese army gave conflicting accounts of who was responsible. M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said nine civilians had been killed and blamed the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and allied forces. He also alleged a separate attack later that evening in nearby North Kivu. M23/AFC president Bertrand Bisimwa also condemned the shelling and described it as a war crime.

The FARDC offered a different version, saying M23/AFC fighters tried to advance before firing mortar rounds toward populated areas. The army said the shells killed civilians and injured others, while reserving the right to respond. The episode adds to concern over civilian casualties in eastern DRC, where fighting between government forces and M23/AFC has continued despite regional and international peace efforts, including talks linked to Qatar.