Seven civilians have been killed and three others seriously injured after an abandoned explosive device detonated in Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu Province, eastern DR Congo on Saturday.
The incident occurred in Nyarubara-Rugunga Village, Gikoro Locality, Jomba Groupement, Bwisha Chiefdom, according to local residents. Locals said the explosive device was discovered by a child in a field. The child reportedly handled the device recklessly before it detonated.
Six people, including women and children, were killed instantly, while another victim succumbed to injuries at Bugusa Health Centre in Rutshuru, according to residents. Three other people were injured and rushed to the same health facility for treatment. The blast also killed a cow.
Residents said fighters of the March 23 Movement/Alliance River Congo (M23/AFC), which controls the area, arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion, collected the bodies and took them to the mortuary at Rutshuru General Hospital.
On Saturday evening, Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23/AFC spokesperson, confirmed the deaths and injuries in a statement. Kanyuka claimed that the explosive device had been planted by what he described as enemies of peace.
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged civilians in areas under M23/AFC control to strictly follow safety measures communicated as part of the demining process.
Kanyuka warned civilians against handling, moving or attempting to neutralise suspicious objects or explosive devices found in fields, homes or along public roads. He urged them to immediately report such discoveries to the relevant authorities.
“An explosive device planted by enemies of peace has caused seven deaths, three serious injuries, and one minor injury this Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the Jomba Groupement, Gikoro Locality, Rugunga Village, in Rutshuru Territory,” Kanyuka said.
He said the child who discovered the explosive device in a field began handling it recklessly, leading to the explosion. Kanyuka added that the victims were evacuated and transferred to Rutshuru General Reference Hospital for medical treatment.
“The AFC-M23 expresses its deep dismay and extends its most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of this tragic accident,” he added.
He called on residents to adhere to demining measures, which include detecting, neutralising, removing and destroying land and naval mines, unexploded ordnance and other dangerous devices.
The Democratic Republic of Congo government had not issued a statement on the incident by Saturday evening. Rutshuru Territory is among areas in North and South Kivu provinces that have been affected by the M23/AFC insurgency.
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23/AFC, allegations that Kigali and the rebel movement have consistently denied. M23/AFC says its armed struggle is aimed at addressing corruption, xenophobia and discrimination by the Congolese leadership.
Since early 2025, M23/AFC has intensified its offensive in eastern DRC, capturing several strategic towns and territories and raising concerns that the conflict could escalate into a wider regional crisis.