BREAKING NEWS: Bertrand Bisimwa Arrives in Minembwe, Declares the War Has Ended; Full Story
MINEMBWE CAPITAL NEWS (MCN)
During a visit to Minembwe earlier this week, the Deputy Coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), Bertrand Bisimwa, delivered a message to the Banyamulenge community living in the area, declaring that the conflict which had affected the region for a prolonged period had come to an end and that the attacks against them would not resume.
Addressing local residents, Bisimwa stated that the military operations and attacks which had targeted civilians in Minembwe and surrounding areas for an extended period would no longer take place.
He said:
«“The attacks that your enemies, who sought to exterminate you, had been carrying out against you will never happen again.”»
He further noted that previous offensives had reached the outskirts of Minembwe Centre, but insisted that such events would not be repeated.
He stated:
«“The last offensive reached this area, but from today onward, it will never happen again. You know those who have been attacking you; they came from the east, the west, and other directions, but their time has come to an end.”»
Bertrand Bisimwa added that the message he was delivering was not his alone, but that he had been entrusted to convey it on behalf of the Commander of AFC/M23 forces, Gen. Sultan Makenga, as well as the Coordinator of AFC/M23, Corneille Nangaa.
He said:
«“Gen. Sultan Makenga, your son, together with AFC/M23 Coordinator Corneille Nangaa, asked me to tell you that the war in your homeland has ended and that you will no longer be subjected to attacks.”»
The visit took place as senior AFC/M23 leaders arrived in Minembwe, saying their mission was to reassure local residents following months of what they described as intense fighting in the region.
Among the officials accompanying Bertrand Bisimwa were Dr. Kaniki, leader of MRDP-Twirwaneho; Moïse Nyarugabo, a former minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Gen. Byamungu; and several other senior officials from the coalition.
The visit followed recent fighting in various parts of the Minembwe Highlands, where AFC/M23 and MRDP-Twirwaneho say they pushed back the coalition of forces comprising the FARDC, the Burundian National Defence Force (FDNB), the FDLR, and Wazalendo armed groups in areas including Minembwe, Mikenke, Rwitsankuku, Point Zero, and other locations across the Fizi and Mwenga territories.
Bertrand Bisimwa’s remarks come at a time when the security situation in the Minembwe Highlands continues to be closely monitored by different stakeholders, while many residents continue to express their desire for lasting peace after years of armed conflict and insecurity.