Confirmed: MRDP-Twirwaneho Has Fully Taken Control of the Strategic Gakenke Area in Minembwe
Reliable information gathered by Minembwe Capital News from various parts of Minembwe indicates that the MRDP-Twirwaneho movement has taken full control of Gakenke, one of the most strategically important areas for military operations and territorial control in the eastern sector of Minembwe Centre, South Kivu Province, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Gakenke is considered a key location due to its geographical position and its role in controlling routes connecting different parts of Minembwe. Its capture by MRDP-Twirwaneho is being viewed as a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has affected the Mulenge region for years.
Minembwe is one of the major towns in the Mulenge area, predominantly inhabited by the Banyamulenge community. Situated in the highlands of South Kivu, the region has a unique history and has long been affected by security challenges in eastern DRC.
Sources from the battlefield report that MRDP-Twirwaneho pushed back a coalition of government-aligned forces composed of the FARDC, Burundian troops, Wazalendo militias, and FDLR fighters, who had established positions in various parts of Gakenke, including the Bahindigiri area.
According to local residents and security sources, following intense fighting that lasted for several hours, the coalition forces withdrew rapidly. Some reportedly retreated toward Mulima, while others moved toward Point Zéro after being pushed by MRDP-Twirwaneho forces through Nyaruhinga and into the Mukoko Forest.
Observers closely monitoring developments in Minembwe say that control of Gakenke could have significant implications for the military balance in the region, particularly for forces that had previously maintained positions in the area.
The capture of Gakenke follows another major battlefield success reported earlier this week, when various sources indicated that MRDP-Twirwaneho had fully seized positions previously held by FARDC and its allies in Lundu, Bidegu, Kalingi, Gitavi, and surrounding areas.
During those clashes, residents from the affected areas reported that numerous soldiers withdrew toward Mutunda, Bicumbi, and Point Zéro, while MRDP-Twirwaneho continued expanding the territory under its control.
Analysts suggest that the movement’s continued territorial gains could alter the security landscape in Minembwe and its surrounding areas, particularly as fighting remains intense between the opposing sides.
Across many parts of Mulenge, members of the Banyamulenge community describe the capture of Gakenke as evidence that MRDP-Twirwaneho is strengthening its position and expanding its sphere of influence.
Some observers believe that this development carries significance beyond its military dimension, viewing it as a source of renewed hope for communities that have endured years of insecurity, displacement, and loss of property.
Since 2017, the Mulenge region has experienced recurring armed confrontations and conflicts involving various groups operating in South Kivu. These clashes have resulted in widespread displacement, destruction of homes, loss of livestock, and other hardships that have significantly affected local livelihoods.
Many residents state that large numbers of livestock were looted during years of unrest, dealing a severe blow to the local economy, which largely depends on cattle breeding and pastoral activities.
As of the time of publication, reports from Gakenke indicated that MRDP-Twirwaneho remained in control of the area, while the FARDC-led coalition and its allies continued to withdraw from their former positions.
Nevertheless, further details regarding the exact disposition of newly established positions by both sides are still awaited, as local residents continue to closely monitor developments on the ground.
Minembwe Capital News will continue to follow the situation and provide reliable updates on security developments and military operations in Minembwe and across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
