DRC's South Kivu Fizi region faces internet shutdown and disputed M23 rebel reports

Activist Francine Kaliba has urged the Congolese government to restore telephone and internet services in Baraka‑Fizi after months of a complete cut. She says the shutdown, imposed for security reasons linked to M23 rebel operations, leaves residents "cut off from the world" and hampers monetary transactions. Kaliba also condemned the seizure of Starlink kits used by humanitarian NGOs.

Territorial administrator Kalonji Badibanga Samy later denied circulating rumors that M23 forces were present in Kilembwe, the capital of Lulenge sector. He labeled the claims "fake news" and accused unnamed "journalists" of spreading misinformation to create confusion. Samy urged the population to rely on official communications and noted that the FARDC, supported by the local Wazalendo group, continues operations to secure the area and support President Félix‑Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo's peace efforts.