Statements on the Attacks by FARDC, FDNB, Wazalendo, FDLR, Mercenaries and Imbonerakure Against the Banyamulenge
On Tuesday, 24/02/2026, in the highlands of Mulenge, in Minembwe Territory, South Kivu Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), heavy attacks were carried out on villages inhabited by the Banyamulenge, including Kalingi, Bidegu, and Gahwela, located in the Minembwe area.
Reports from the area indicate that the attacks were carried out by a coalition of DRC government forces composed of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), in collaboration with Burundian forces (FDNB), the Wazalendo militia, FDLR fighters, mercenaries, and Imbonerakure members of the CNDD-FDD party.
Sources confirm that the attack on Gahwela originated from areas in the Lulenge Sector of Fizi Territory, while the attack on Kalingi came from the areas of Bicumbi, Mutunda, and the surroundings of Rwitsankuku and Mikenke.
Residents of these areas stated that the attackers launched their assault early in the morning, opening fire and burning civilian homes. One witness said:
“FARDC and its allies attacked Kalingi, burning civilians’ houses and shooting indiscriminately.”
He added that fighters from the MRDP-Twirwaneho group, together with M23, attempted to repel the attackers, causing the attacking side to begin retreating from parts of Kalingi and Bidegu, near the 8ème CEPAC church at Mugenza Gatabana’s place.
These attacks occurred after two days of relative calm, on 22 and 23/02/2026, during which no heavy fighting was heard in Minembwe. However, residents say that in recent days, attacks targeting the Banyamulenge have intensified, both on the ground and from the air.
Information from residents and security observers in the area indicates that heavy weapons were used in these attacks, including:
Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones);
Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jets;
Helicopters, reportedly operating from Bujumbura in Burundi, Uvira, Baraka, and Kisangani in Tshopo Province.
The aerial attacks heavily targeted Minembwe center, where drones damaged various infrastructure and injured civilians, including three children.
Although the exact number of civilians killed has not yet been officially announced, information from residents indicates that many have already been killed in the attacks. Among them is an elderly woman who was shot at her home in Rundu, as well as others who were shot in their villages.
In addition, many livestock belonging to civilians, including cows and goats, are reported to have been killed by bombs or bullets fired by the attacking forces.
The Minembwe area has for many years been marked by insecurity rooted in land disputes, ethnic tensions, and political interests. Since 2017, clashes between armed groups and government forces have frequently escalated, particularly in areas inhabited by the Banyamulenge.
In recent years, the coalition known as Wazalendo has been promoted by the DRC government as partners in the fight against anti-government armed groups, but it has often been accused by various parties of involvement in attacks against civilians.
The attacks of Tuesday, 24/02/2026, add to others carried out last week and the week before, further increasing concerns about the security of civilians in the Mulenge highlands, amid ongoing military operations involving various armed groups with different origins and interests in the Great Lakes region.
As of now, no official statement has been issued by the DRC government regarding the attacks in Minembwe, while residents continue to call for protection and justice.
