The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has accused alleged collaborators of the Congolese government of orchestrating the brutal killing of 10 members of a single family in Nyiragongo Territory, located in the volatile eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The massacre occurred during the night of April 4–5, 2025, in Kanzana village, within the Rusayo groupement. Local sources reported that the victims included parents, children, and extended family members, underscoring the ruthless nature of the attack.
According to witnesses, armed assailants began infiltrating the area at approximately 9:45 pm. The motive behind the killings remains unclear, and no armed group has claimed responsibility so far.
The DRC government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. On Saturday night, however, M23 released a statement confirming the killings and blaming what it described as government-aligned elements.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed the attackers took advantage of the removal of M23 roadblocks originally dismantled to ease civilian movement, to carry out what he called a “terrorist act” aimed at discrediting the rebel group.
“The perpetrators are collaborators of the Kinshasa government who used the removal of M23 roadblocks meant to facilitate civilian movement as an opportunity to commit this terrorist act,” said Kanyuka.
He further stated that the attack undermines international efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC and violates the unilateral ceasefire declared by M23.
Kanyuka labeled the killings a “spiritual crime” and said investigations are underway to identify and neutralize those responsible. The killings have escalated tensions in Nyiragongo, a region that has been under M23 control since late January 2025.
The area includes the strategic city of Goma and its surrounding territories, where fears of renewed violence and retaliation continue to grow among the civilian population.