BREAKING NEWS: The War in the Minembwe Highlands Continues to Shift: FARDC and Its Allies Regroup as MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 Expand Their Influence on the Battlefield
MINEMBWE CAPITAL NEWS (MCN)
The fighting in the Minembwe highlands continues to evolve, as reports from the conflict zone indicate that the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), alongside Burundian forces, Wazalendo fighters, and other allied groups, have regrouped after losing control of several areas they previously held.
Sources closely monitoring developments in the region report that on Sunday, July 12, 2026, FARDC and its allies deployed a large number of troops to the Nakiheli area after having previously withdrawn from the locality. This comes as MRDP-Twirwaneho, in coordination with AFC/M23, reportedly maintains control over Point Zéro, a strategically important area for military operations in the region.
The same sources indicate that FARDC and its allies have suffered setbacks during intense clashes in several parts of the Minembwe highlands. Areas mentioned include Mikenke, Rwitsankuku, Point Zéro, Gakenke, Kalingi, Gitavi, Bidegu, Kalongi, and other locations reportedly now under the control of MRDP-Twirwaneho in coordination with AFC/M23.
Some reports suggest that a significant number of FARDC troops and allied forces withdrew toward Baraka and Bibogobogo, where they are said to be regrouping and preparing new military operations aimed at attempting to retake the positions they lost.
In this context, reports from the area indicate that on July 12, 2026, a major deployment of forces, including FARDC soldiers, Burundian troops, Wazalendo fighters, and foreign mercenaries, moved toward Nakiheli.
According to these reports, the objective of this military preparation is allegedly to attempt to recapture Point Zéro and Minembwe, areas currently reported to be under the control of MRDP-Twirwaneho in coordination with AFC/M23.
Meanwhile, other military preparations are also being reported in the region. Sources from Kalemie indicate that around ten semi-rigid military boats have arrived in the area, reportedly intended for possible use by foreign mercenaries in military operations.
These types of boats are known for their high speed, patrol capabilities, rapid response capacity, and ability to support operations on Lake Tanganyika. Some analysts suggest that the arrival of these vessels could be aimed at strengthening military capabilities and expanding operational capacity in the area.
Meanwhile, despite FARDC and its allies continuing to reinforce their positions and prepare further military operations, reports from the battlefield indicate that MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 are continuing to expand the areas under their control.
On Sunday, reports from Mibunda, located in Mwenga Territory, indicated that the forces had taken control of several areas, further highlighting the intensity of the ongoing clashes and the continued confrontation between the opposing sides.
These developments come at a time when security conditions in Minembwe had shown signs of improvement, although the situation has remained fragile in recent months. Many civilians continue to face the consequences of the conflict, including displacement, limited access to essential services, and growing humanitarian concerns.
The information contained in this report is based on data provided to MCN by sources located in the conflict areas. Due to the nature of the ongoing war and the challenges involved in independently verifying information in real time, some details may be updated or clarified as new information becomes available.
