Kishishe massacre

The Kishishe massacre (French: Massacre de Kishishe) took place between 21–30 November 2022 in the Bwito Chiefdom of Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The atrocity was perpetrated by the March 23 Movement (M23), a predominantly Rwandan-backed Tutsi armed group, following clashes with local militias and FARDC. A preliminary investigation by the United Nations reported that at least 171 civilians were summarily executed, while Congolese authorities initially estimated the death toll at around 300. The killings began in the Tongo groupement, where over 64 civilians were executed in the villages of Muhindo, Rusekera, and Bugina, before M23 forces advanced into the Bambo groupement, targeting Kishishe, Kirumba, and Kapopi. In addition to mass executions, the assailants looted medical centers and other facilities.

The massacre led to the mass displacement of civilians, with hundreds of thousands fleeing to nearby locations such as Kanyabayonga, Kibirizi, Kashala, Kirima, Rwindi, Nyanzale, Kashalira, Bambu, and Kitchanga, while some sought refuge in neighboring countries. The attack provoked widespread international condemnation and outrage from Congolese political figures, including Juvénal Munubo Mubi, Martin Fayulu, President Félix Tshisekedi, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, and Julien Paluku Kahongya.