Bigaragara mine massacre
| Bigaragara mine massacre | |
|---|---|
| Part of Kivu conflict | |
| Location | Bigaragara gold mine and village, Mutambala, Fizi Territory, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Date | August 17, 2022 |
| Target | Civilians |
| Deaths | 21 |
| Injured | Unknown |
| Victims | Many displaced |
| Perpetrator | Twirwaneho |
On August 17, 2022, Twirwaneho militants attacked civilians at the Bigaragara gold mine in Mutambala, Fizi Territory, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing 17 people including women and children.
Background
Rwandan-backed Twirwaneho militias are active around the Bigaragara gold mine, which is one of the most lucrative gold mines in Fizi Territory. In late 2021, Twirwaneho militants launched an offensive against the Congolese Army (FARDC) and self-defense militias in Fizi Territory.[1] On August 15, a contingent of Burundian troops were sent to Ruzizi near Bigaragara to defend against Twirwaneho and other militia attacks.[2] At the time of the massacre on August 17, the village of Bigaragara was supposed to be under FARDC control, but the soldiers had left the area.[3]
Massacre
Congolese authorities reported that Twirwaneho militants led by former FARDC commanders Michel Rukunda (Makanika), Charles Sebanyana (Sematama), and Mitabu Kivuzamigeri (Mituba) attacked the Bigaragara village and mine.[3] Seven bodies were found in the mine on the day of the attack, and six bodies were found in the bush in the following days.[3] Eight more were found charred in their homes.[3] 414 houses were burnt down in the attack on the village.[3] The Societe Civile des Hauts Plateaux de Milimba said that "scores" of internally displaced people fled the area.[3]
Aftermath
In October 2022, clashes broke out around the mine between Twirwaneho militant and Biloze Bushambuke Armed Forces (FABB) militants. These clashes displaced over 1,000 households.[4][5]
References
- ^ "Lettre datée du 10 juin 2022, adressée au Président du Conseil de sécurité par le Groupe d'experts dont le mandat a été prorogé par la résolution 2582 (2021) du Conseil de sécurité" (PDF). United Nations Security Council. June 14, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ Bujakera, Stanis; Miridzhanian, Anait (August 15, 2022). "Burundi sends troops into Congo as part of East African Force". Reuters. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "AFRICA/DR CONGO - Violence in the east of the country: at least 21 dead in attack on gold mine in Bigaragara - Agenzia Fides". www.fides.org. Retrieved 2025-10-06.
- ^ "United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo" (PDF). MONUSCO. November 30, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ "Letter dated 13 June 2023 from the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo addressed to the President of the Security Council" (PDF). United Nations Security Council. June 13, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2025.