Alarm in Minembwe: Civilian Aircraft Reportedly Shot Down While Carrying Humanitarian Aid
Reports emerging from the Minembwe area, in South Kivu Province, indicate that a civilian aircraft was reportedly shot at near Bikuba while it was heading in the direction of Minembwe.
The incident was reported by Colonel Rugabo Fidèle, a military officer with MRDP-Twirwaneho, in a post published on X on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
In his statement, Col. Rugabo said the aircraft was civilian and had been targeted by a missile fired by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). He also said that MRDP-Twirwaneho had strongly condemned the incident.
He stated:
“The Kinshasa government continues its provocations. Since the departure of the EJVM+ from Minembwe, attacks have increased. Today, August 27, 2026, a civilian aircraft reportedly carrying medicine to Minembwe was shot at in Bikuba by a surface-to-air missile. MRDP strongly condemns this provocation.”
Residents Say the Aircraft Was Carrying Food
Meanwhile, information received by Minembwe Capital News from residents in the area indicates that the aircraft was carrying various food supplies intended for civilians displaced by the ongoing conflict.
According to these accounts, the aircraft was reportedly shot at in the Bikuba area while heading toward Nyabibuye.
Bikuba is located on the outskirts of Minembwe, at an estimated distance of approximately 21 kilometres from Minembwe Centre, according to information provided to Minembwe Capital News by local residents.
Col. Rugabo says the aircraft was hit by a missile fired from the ground. However, as of publication, Minembwe Capital News has not obtained independent information confirming the type of missile allegedly used, the precise location from which it was fired, or the military authority responsible for the reported attack.
Neither FARDC nor the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has officially commented on the incident so far, either to confirm or deny the claims made by Col. Rugabo.
The reported incident comes as fighting and military activity continue in various parts of South Kivu, where FARDC and allied armed groups are engaged in clashes with MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23. In recent weeks, Col. Rugabo has continued to issue statements concerning fighting in the region, frequently accusing forces aligned with Kinshasa of launching attacks against military positions and populated areas.
Growing Concerns for Civilians and Humanitarian Operations
Minembwe and surrounding areas have faced prolonged insecurity, population displacement, and serious disruptions to livelihoods, trade, and access to essential supplies.
Against this backdrop, reports that an aircraft carrying food and medicine may have been targeted while transporting supplies to civilians are drawing growing attention from local residents and observers following the security situation in the region.
The incident is being monitored amid continued insecurity in areas around Minembwe and Bijombo, where reports of drone activity and missile or artillery strikes have also emerged in recent days.
Minembwe Capital News