Esther Imonmion
A devastating nighttime fire has swept through the working-class Funu neighborhood of Bukavu, claiming the lives of 14 members of two families and plunging the community into mourning amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the rebel-controlled city.
In the smoldering aftermath on Monday morning, Red Cross volunteers and local youth searched through the charred debris of collapsed homes to recover victims’ remains.
According to witnesses, the blaze erupted around midnight, rapidly consuming several dwellings in an area notorious for unregulated construction and frequent electrical hazards.
“I heard noises, woke up, and spotted the fire,” said survivor Patrick Gedeon, who managed to escape but later discovered that 14 of his neighbors had perished.
Another resident, Olivier Bangalwa, described the chaos as residents became trapped inside burning buildings. “When I saw the staircase engulfed in flames, those on the upper floors could no longer flee,” he recounted. The majority of the victims were women and children.
The tragedy underscores Bukavu’s chronic urban safety challenges, where unregulated development and makeshift electrical installations heighten the risk of fires.
Compounding the crisis is the city’s fragile security situation. Since February 2025, Bukavu has been under the control of the AFC-M23 rebel movement.
While the rebel authorities have pledged to provide dignified burials for the victims, residents are appealing for greater assistance. “We have nothing remaining,” said community member Ngwabuluka Jean, calling for urgent government intervention.