SUMMARY
The non-state conflict between the Coalition des Mouvements pour le Changement (CMC) Nyatura, Nduma Défense du Congo–Renové (NDC-R), and the Conseil National pour le Renouveau et la Démocratie (CNRD) after the group had joined the RMDC alliance, took place in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The conflict broke out in late 2018, driven by growing tensions over control of territory and influence in zones populated by both Congolese communities and Rwandan refugees. CNRD, a Rwandan armed group, had previously exercised de facto control in parts of North Kivu, where it relied on support from local populations and refugee networks. However, its territorial hold began to erode in late 2018 under mounting pressure from local armed groups, mainly by NDC-Rand the CMC Nyatura militia, resulting in direct armed confrontation.
CMC, NDC-R viewed CNRD as a foreign occupying force and a threat to their territorial ambitions. These tensions were reportedly exacerbated by competition over taxation rights, local governance, and access to mineral-rich zones, particularly in the Rutshuru highlands. Former CNRD fighters claimed that the attack on their headquarters in Faringa came without warning and that their leadership had been caught off guard.
The tactics used in this conflict consisted primarily of conventional armed clashes between organized militias, often involving coordinated assaults on fixed positions. On 28 November 2018, CMC and NDC-R attacked CNRD positions in the villages of Kiyeye and Katsiru. The violence escalated on 25 December 2018, when a coalition of approximately 300 CMC, NDC-R combatants launched a surprise attack on CNRD strongholds in Faringa, Nyambande, Kitunda, and Muhanga. The CNRD suffered significant territorial losses, and its command was forced into retreat. While both parties engaged in direct combat, NDC-R and its allies were significantly more successful militarily and inflicted higher casualties.
The conflict involving these groups remained localized in Rutshuru territory, Nord Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. However by mid-January 2019, NDC-R offensives, without the support from CMC, had forced CNRD to abandon its final stronghold in Kivuye, Masisi. Approximately 4000 people, including CNRD fighters, dependents, and Rwandan refugees, fled to Kalehe territory in South Kivu. The conflict resulted in the near-total expulsion of CNRD from North Kivu. By mid-January 2019, all remaining CNRD forces and dependents had left the province, effectively bringing the conflict to an end. While the fighting lasted only several weeks, it displaced numerous civilians and caused significant battle-related fatalities and civilian harm, including forced displacement, deaths, and destruction of infrastructure.
The non-state conflict between CMC, NDC-R and CNRD is first included in UCDP data in 2018. By the end of December that year, clashes between the groups had resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths. lashes between the groups had resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.
