Today’s Situation in Minembwe: Reports of Escalating Violence Involving FARDC, Burundian Forces, and FDLR Against Banyamulenge Communities
The day was marked by heightened tension and a deteriorating security situation in and around Minembwe, following reports of aerial strikes involving drones and fixed-wing aircraft allegedly targeting civilian-populated areas.
These developments come in the aftermath of intense clashes reported on June 11, 2026, between a coalition of forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army (FARDC), reportedly supported by allied groups including Burundian forces, the Wazalendo militias, and the FDLR, against the MRDP-Twirwaneho movement, which claims to defend Banyamulenge communities.
According to local sources, heavy ground fighting took place on June 11 in several villages including Lundu, Bidegu, Kalingi, and Gakenge. The MRDP-Twirwaneho reportedly repelled the attacks after hours of sustained combat.
Following these clashes, residents report that on June 12, aerial assets—including drones and Sukhoi-25 fighter jets—were deployed over the area. Eyewitness accounts claim that explosive devices fell in civilian-inhabited zones, causing significant destruction to homes and triggering widespread panic and displacement among local populations.
There are also unconfirmed reports indicating that civilians may have been killed or injured during the strikes. However, the exact number of casualties has not yet been independently verified by neutral or humanitarian organizations operating in the region.
Local residents in Minembwe describe a climate of fear and uncertainty, with many fleeing their homes in search of safer areas. Displaced families report severe shortages of food, medical care, and shelter as the ongoing insecurity continues to affect the mountainous region.
On its part, MRDP-Twirwaneho leadership claims that the use of aerial bombardment following failed ground operations indicates an escalation by the opposing coalition. The group further asserts that Banyamulenge civilians remain in a highly vulnerable situation amid the ongoing conflict.
As of now, FARDC has not issued a detailed public statement specifically addressing the allegations of airstrikes on civilian areas in this particular incident. In previous communications, the Congolese army has consistently stated that its operations are aimed at neutralizing armed groups active in South Kivu and other parts of eastern Congo.
Minembwe has long been a flashpoint of armed conflict, shaped by overlapping disputes involving armed groups, land ownership tensions, governance challenges, and recurring ethnic dimensions cited by various stakeholders.
As fighting continues, humanitarian organizations and human rights advocates are calling for an independent investigation into the reported incidents. Their aim is to establish verified facts, ensure accountability where necessary, protect civilians, and seek sustainable solutions to restore peace and stability in Minembwe and the broader eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
