Residents of Habula village in Luberike groupement, Walikale Territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, have fled their homes in large numbers following what they describe as attacks, intimidation and looting allegedly carried out by APCLS fighters, a group within the Wazalendo alliance.
Residents say the departures began on August 23, 2026, after APCLS fighters allegedly entered homes and took valuables. Some residents have sought refuge in nearby forests, while others have moved towards Ngenge in Waloa Yungu groupement and neighbouring areas.
Residents Say Homes Were Looted
Residents who fled Habula accuse APCLS fighters of entering civilian homes and taking property, particularly valuable belongings.
They say the alleged repeated incidents have left them increasingly afraid to remain in the village and have undermined confidence in their ability to live there safely.
One displaced resident said: “We don’t know how we can stay here. Every time the fighters come, we lose what we own. We decided to flee because we are afraid to remain here.”
The account reflects wider concerns among civilians in parts of eastern DRC where armed groups operate alongside or in opposition to government forces.
Families Dispersed Across Nearby Areas
The displacement from Habula has not followed a single route.
Some residents have moved into surrounding forests, while others have travelled towards Ngenge and communities bordering Habula, seeking locations they believe offer greater security.
The movement has disrupted normal life and left families separated from their homes and possessions.
Goma-Walikale Road Also Comes Under Security Concerns
The reported insecurity has also affected people travelling along the Goma-Walikale road.
APCLS fighters are accused of stopping vehicles near Milonge and looting traders travelling along the route. A trader who witnessed one of the incidents said passengers became particularly frightened after a motorcyclist was shot.
“We were going to continue our journey to Walikale, but our vehicles were stopped and we were robbed. After the motorcyclist was shot, everyone became frightened. He was shot in the arm,” the trader said.
The allegation raises further concerns about the safety of civilians and commercial traffic along one of the routes connecting communities in North Kivu.
Walikale’s Changing Armed-Group Landscape
Walikale and surrounding areas have become increasingly affected by the presence of government troops, Wazalendo fighters and other armed groups following territorial changes linked to AFC/M23 operations.
Several armed groups and government-aligned forces have been active in the wider region, creating a complex security environment for civilians.
Residents, however, say their immediate concern is not the broader military contest but their ability to remain safely in their communities without losing property or being exposed to violence.
Civilian Protection Remains a Major Concern
The reported displacement from Habula adds to broader concerns over civilian protection in eastern DRC, where fighting, armed-group activity and territorial shifts have repeatedly forced communities from their homes.
For residents who fled Habula, the immediate priority is the restoration of security that would allow them to return home without fear.
The information available for this report did not include a specific response from APCLS or the relevant security authorities addressing the allegations of looting and attacks.
The Wider Security Picture
The situation in Habula illustrates the difficult security environment facing civilians in Walikale, where the presence of multiple armed actors has complicated efforts to restore stability.
For displaced residents, the question is now whether security conditions will improve enough for them to return, and whether their homes and property can be protected from further attacks and looting.
