The clashes broke out on the morning of August 25, 2025, after Wazalendo attempted to block a convoy coming from Burundi that was transporting the body of Colonel Gisore Patrick, a FARDC battalion commander who recently died in a plane crash near Kisangani.
Among those denied passage by Wazalendo were South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, government officials, soldiers, and civilians who were accompanying the late Colonel's remains from Bujumbura.
Following the incident, FARDC's 'Panther' battalion, which oversees the Kavimvira border, overpowered Wazalendo fighters. In retaliation, on August 26, Wazalendo launched a counterattack aimed at seizing control of the border post located in Uvira territory.
Reports from Uvira indicate that the fighting began at dawn and lasted six hours, forcing residents in nearby areas to flee or suspend daily activities out of fear.
In total, six people were killed and several others wounded. According to FARDC, one of its soldiers was killed, while five Wazalendo fighters lost their lives.
Lt. Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji, spokesperson for FARDC in South Kivu, confirmed that 14 Wazalendo fighters who attempted to defy government forces were captured and handed over to their commander.
Governor Purusi warned that continued hostilities between Wazalendo and FARDC could benefit the AFC/M23 coalition, which already controls Bukavu and large parts of South Kivu. He has called an emergency meeting between the two sides in an effort to seek reconciliation.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/six-killed-in-clashes-between-fardc-and-wazalendo
