FARDC, Burundian Forces, Wazalendo and FDLR Coalition Again Shells Banyamulenge-Inhabited Areas in Minembwe
The coalition of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), Burundian forces, Wazalendo militias, and the FDLR has once again launched an artillery attack on Banyamulenge-inhabited areas in Minembwe this Saturday, June 27, 2026.
According to information obtained by Minembwe Capital News from sources on the ground, the shells were fired in broad daylight and landed in the areas of Lundu and Gitavi, overlooking the Minembwe River. The attack has once again heightened fear and anxiety among residents who have already been living under persistent insecurity.
One resident from the area told Minembwe Capital News:
“The shells landed in Lundu and Gitavi, overlooking the Minembwe River. So far, we do not yet know the extent of the damage or whether there have been any casualties.”
At the time of publication, the number of people who may have been injured, as well as the full extent of the damage caused by the shelling, had not yet been confirmed. However, local residents say they remain in deep fear as such attacks continue to recur.
The latest shelling comes just days after the coalition of FARDC, Burundian forces, Wazalendo militias, and the FDLR was reported to have been defeated by the MRDP-Twirwaneho armed group, which says it is fighting to protect the security of the Banyamulenge community, during clashes that took place last Friday. Since then, residents allege that the coalition has changed its military tactics and has increasingly relied on drones and long-range artillery strikes targeting areas inhabited by civilians.
Similar attacks carried out earlier this week caused extensive destruction. On Thursday, shells severely damaged Minembwe General Hospital at Kiziba, significantly disrupting the medical services on which local residents depend.
On Wednesday, additional shells struck several locations, destroying civilian homes and damaging schools in Lundu and other nearby communities.
Information gathered by Minembwe Capital News indicates that numerous homes have been destroyed in the recent attacks, including in Lundu, Bidegu, Minembwe Centre, Kalingi, and several other villages, leaving many families without shelter.
Residents of Minembwe continue to call for urgent measures to protect civilians and to end the ongoing military operations that are having a devastating impact on their lives and on critical public infrastructure.
