AFC/M23 Accuses Congolese Military Coalition of Targeting Banyamulenge Civilians in Minembwe

MINEMBWE CAPITAL NEWS (MCN)

Lawrence Kanyuka, the spokesperson for the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), has issued a strong statement on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that following his recent visit to Minembwe, he gathered evidence indicating that Banyamulenge civilians had been subjected to large-scale attacks targeting non-combatants.

In his statement, Kanyuka accused a coalition comprising the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), the Burundi National Defence Force (FDNB), Wazalendo militias, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and other armed groups, including the Imbonerakure, of carrying out major military operations against Banyamulenge-populated areas in Fizi Territory, particularly in Minembwe and its surrounding communities.

According to Kanyuka, the operations involved the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), Sukhoi-25 fighter aircraft, and other aerial bombardment platforms. He claimed that the strikes affected several locations, including Mikenke, Rwitsankuku, Point Zero, and other civilian-populated areas.

Kanyuka further alleged that the aerial bombardments were not limited to military positions but also struck residential neighborhoods. He stated that homes, churches, schools, and marketplaces were either damaged or destroyed. He also claimed that civilians engaged in worship or their daily activities were among those killed during the attacks, while essential civilian infrastructure sustained extensive damage.

He added that numerous houses, places of worship, educational institutions, and other public facilities were destroyed. He also alleged that large numbers of livestock, including cattle and goats, were killed, further worsening the humanitarian situation and the living conditions of local residents.

In his statement, Kanyuka argued that such actions could constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law protecting civilians during armed conflict. He called for an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation to establish the facts surrounding the events in Minembwe and its surrounding areas and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

He also urged the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), and international human rights organizations to closely monitor the situation, conduct independent investigations, and contribute to the protection of civilians who continue to bear the consequences of the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As of the time of publication, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the parties accused by Kanyuka had not issued any official response to these allegations.

These accusations come amid continued insecurity in the territories of Fizi and Mwenga, where the conflicting parties continue to exchange allegations regarding military operations and their impact on civilians. Meanwhile, the international community has repeatedly called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law and for renewed efforts toward a lasting peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC.

— MINEMBWE CAPITAL NEWS (MCN)