Escalating Attacks in Ndondo: Positions of FARDC and Its Allies
As security continues to deteriorate in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, credible information obtained by Minembwe Capital News indicates that a coalition of Congolese government forces (FARDC), in collaboration with Burundian troops and armed groups including Wazalendo and FDLR, is intensifying attacks in areas inhabited by the Banyamulenge in Ndondo, within the Bijombo groupement of Uvira Territory.
Reports from local residents and various sources close to the conflict zone confirm that these forces are currently positioned in the areas of Gongwa and Kuwibijige. It is reported that they established their bases there after advancing from Uvira and from the city of Bujumbura in Burundi.
According to available information, this deployment aims to launch coordinated attacks on Banyamulenge communities living in the hills of Ndondo, a region traditionally inhabited by this population.
Since arriving in these areas, numerous acts targeting civilians have been reported, including:
- Looting of livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep
- Destruction of crops in the fields
- Burning and demolition of civilian homes
Reliable sources further confirm that the coalition forces also reached Murambya, where they looted civilian property before being pushed back by the MRDP-Twirwaneho group, which is said to defend local communities. Currently, this group controls Murambya and surrounding areas, although security remains fragile.
The attacks, which began on Wednesday of this week, have triggered a large-scale displacement of civilians. Many residents have fled their homes, seeking refuge in bushes and forests, particularly toward Gahuna and other relatively safer areas.
Eyewitnesses describe the attacks as highly coordinated:
- Areas are first encircled
- Heavy weapons are then used
- Civilians flee without being able to rescue their belongings
This situation has placed civilians in extreme danger, with many lacking access to food, shelter, and medical care.
The Bijombo area and its surroundings have experienced persistent conflict for several years. Since 2017, the Banyamulenge community has repeatedly been targeted by armed groups, including Mai-Mai militias and others, who accuse them of being foreigners and attempting to seize land.
These tensions have resulted in:
- Repeated attacks on their villages
- Killings and widespread looting
- Continuous displacement
The involvement of Burundian troops in these operations is reportedly linked to military cooperation agreements between the governments of Congo and Burundi. However, members of the Banyamulenge community argue that this has intensified the attacks against them, claiming that instead of improving security, it has contributed to the escalation of violence.
Human rights organizations continue to call for:
- An independent investigation into alleged abuses in the area
- Immediate protection of civilians
- An end to ongoing violence
There are also increasing appeals for the international community to take a more active role in finding a lasting solution to the conflict, as civilians continue to live in fear and prolonged displacement.
Current reports indicate that:
- FARDC and its allies remain stationed in Gongwa and Kuwibijige
- MRDP-Twirwaneho controls Murambya and nearby areas
- Many civilians are still hiding in bushes, fearing to return home
Unless urgent action is taken, Ndondo and the wider Bijombo area risk descending into an even more severe crisis, with hopes for peace growing increasingly distant despite the population’s continued longing for stability.