Following the capture of Bukavu by M23-AFC rebels, the security and economic situation in the city has deteriorated significantly. Reports indicate that between 800 and 1,000 civilians have been killed, while daily life has become unbearable due to high prices, banking disruptions, and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Mass Killings and Widespread Fear in Bukavu
According to Jean-Jacques Elakano, Vice-Governor of South Kivu, since M23 took control of Bukavu, the civilian death toll has continued to rise.
“The people of Bukavu are living in fear. The number of deaths is increasing daily. Many have been abducted, subjected to violence, or killed without reason,” Elakano said in an interview with Top Congo FM on March 13, 2025.
Beyond the killings, M23 is also accused of imposing illegal taxes on civilians, making movement between cities nearly impossible without paying fees.
“M23 has introduced new unauthorized taxes. For example, to travel from Bukavu to Kavumu, people must pay a 1,000 FC toll. The price of a sack of charcoal has risen from 3,000 FC to 5,000 FC,” Elakano added.
Bank Closures and Economic Collapse
The crisis has been worsened by the shutdown of several banks, many of which have their headquarters in Kinshasa. The collapse of financial services has led to a sharp devaluation of the Congolese franc (FC), significantly raising the cost of essential goods.
“The economy is in freefall. Many people can no longer access their money because most banks have closed. Prices have skyrocketed to unprecedented levels,” Elakano noted.
Staple foods like rice, cassava flour, and cooking oil have doubled in price, while fuel costs have soared.
With no clear resolution in sight, residents of Bukavu are left struggling to survive, trapped in both a security and economic crisis. Meanwhile, the instability in South Kivu threatens to have a ripple effect across the entire country, deepening the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s economic and humanitarian challenges.
