Latest Update on the Fighting in Kabanju and the Withdrawal of FARDC and Its Allied Forces
MINEMBWE CAPITAL NEWS
Reliable information gathered by Minembwe Capital News indicates that on 30 July 2026, the MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 forces took control of the strategic localities of Kimete and Kabanju in Lulenge Sector, Fizi Territory, South Kivu Province.
According to information obtained from multiple sources, including accounts confirmed by some of the parties involved in the fighting, the capture of these areas followed intense clashes around Rugezi, where a coalition composed of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), Burundian forces, Wazalendo militias, and the FDLR had launched attacks against MRDP-Twirwaneho positions.
Kimete is regarded as one of the most strategically significant military positions in the area, serving as a major base for FARDC, Burundian troops, Wazalendo fighters, and FDLR elements. Following the clashes, MRDP-Twirwaneho, in coordination with AFC/M23, announced that it had captured Kimete before advancing to seize Kabanju.
On the FARDC side, the military command acknowledged that Kimete and Kabanju had fallen under the control of MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23. However, FARDC stated that its forces had not been defeated, describing their movement as a “tactical withdrawal” intended to allow for regrouping and preparation for future operations aimed at recapturing the two localities.
However, independent information obtained by Minembwe Capital News from local residents and other credible sources close to the battlefield presents a different picture from the FARDC statement. According to these sources, after losing Kimete, FARDC and its allied forces—including Burundian troops, Wazalendo militias, and FDLR fighters—continued to withdraw toward the Milimba area. As of now, no new clashes have been reported between the opposing sides along that axis.
Regarding Kabanju, reliable information received by Minembwe Capital News indicates that after taking control of the locality, MRDP-Twirwaneho fighters later withdrew from the area. However, the sources emphasize that this withdrawal should not be interpreted as a military defeat.
A source close to the area stated:
“MRDP-Twirwaneho withdrew from Kabanju, but because the terrain is steep and difficult for sustained military operations, the fighters repositioned to Marango, including an area known as Gipimo.”
According to these sources, the withdrawal from Kabanju was driven by terrain considerations and tactical military planning, with commanders reportedly concluding that the area would be difficult to hold before securing and reinforcing nearby positions.
At the time of publication, there is no confirmed information indicating that FARDC or its allied forces have regained control of Kabanju. Available reports instead suggest that both sides continue to monitor developments on the ground, while local residents remain concerned about the deteriorating security situation and the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing fighting.
Additional reports further indicate that FARDC and its allied forces continue to withdraw toward areas leading to Milimba, although the situation remains fluid and continues to evolve.
