DR Congo: 5 Members of the Pygmy Community Killed in Kalehe Territory in March 2026 (UCPUED KIVU Report)

An Indigenous mother stands in front of her makeshift shelter, her posture reflecting resilience amid hardship. The fragile structure behind her, built from temporary materials, bears witness to displacement and loss. The photo was taken by ©Janvier Barhahiga during the Bushushu tragedy in Kalehe in May 2023, capturing a moment of vulnerability and strength in the face of crisis

Concerning security incidents have been reported in several villages in South Kivu, where Pygmy communities were allegedly targeted by unidentified armed groups, according to a statement from representatives of indigenous peoples.
In Kabare territory, specifically in the Miti grouping, assailants reportedly broke into Kashanja, in the village of Cibinda, during the night of March 30, 2026.

Several community infrastructures were targeted, including the office of the UCPUED KIVU association, the vocational training center “La Résilience,” and the community radio station “Sauti ya Wabunti.”

According to the same source, computer equipment, training materials, and administrative documents were looted during the attack.

The Pygmy camp of Buyungule was also reportedly attacked the same night. A woman was allegedly briefly abducted before being released a few hours later.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring territory of Kalehe, five members of the Pygmy community, including four women, were reportedly killed during the month of March in the village of Buziralo.

The report also documents a series of incidents that occurred throughout March in several Pygmy villages in Kabare. On March 11, ten people from the villages of Buyungule and Muyange were reportedly abducted and later released after being subjected to violence. The home of community leader Safari Mufanzara Jean-Baptiste was also targeted on the same day.

On the night of March 29, gunshots were reportedly heard in the village of Muyange, causing widespread panic among local residents.

In response to these allegations, representatives of indigenous Pygmy communities are calling on local, provincial, and national authorities to strengthen security measures to protect civilians and their property.

At this stage, no official statement from authorities has confirmed these incidents..