A civilian has been killed and two others injured following a bomb shell allegedly fired by forces of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in Rumbishi, South Kivu Province, eastern DRC, according to the M23 rebel group.
The spokesperson of the March 23 Movement (M23), Lawrence Kanyuka, identified the deceased as Safi Semakoma, while the injured were named as Dieme Mudahakana and Muhawe Evariste. The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, whose name was not disclosed.
Kanyuka alleged that since about 1:45 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, coalition forces of the Kinshasa government have been conducting heavy bombardments on populated areas of Rumbishi. He claimed the attacks have resulted in civilian deaths, injuries, and new waves of displacement among residents.
“This offensive has claimed the life of an innocent civilian, triggered forced displacements, and caused several injuries. The two injured victims were urgently taken to hospital for treatment,” Kanyuka said.
The M23 group further accused the Kinshasa government forces of deliberately targeting civilian settlements. The allegations echo previous statements by the group, which also referenced reports from international media outlets claiming that the offensive has worsened the humanitarian situation in the area.
Authorities from the government side have not yet issued an official response regarding the incident.
The conflict in eastern DRC has continued to trigger humanitarian concerns, with civilians frequently caught in clashes between armed groups and government forces.
