Reliable information from the highlands of Minembwe, located in South Kivu Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, reports that heavy attacks were carried out against civilians living on the outskirts of the area. These attacks were allegedly conducted by Burundian forces in collaboration with the FARDC, along with armed groups including Wazalendo and FDLR.
The attacks particularly targeted the areas of Kalingi and Kalongi. According to information provided by residents and local leaders, the operations mainly targeted civilian populations, raising serious concerns about the safety of people living in a region that has long been affected by ongoing armed conflict lasting many years.
According to reports received by Minembwe Capital News, the attacks began at around 7:10 AM, starting with the sound of heavy artillery and large firearms, followed by ground troops entering civilian-populated areas.
In response to the attacks on civilians, the MRDP, Twirwaneho group together with M23 reportedly entered into combat aiming to push back government forces. Sources from the battlefield confirm that the fighting intensified, with both sides using heavy weapons, including machine guns.
As the fighting escalated, it is reported that government forces increased their use of heavy artillery shelling civilian populated areas including Bidegu, Rundu, and other neighboring areas near Kalingi and Kalongi. This forced many civilians to flee their homes, seeking refuge in nearby hills or other parts of the Minembwe area.
Testimonies from residents in the affected areas illustrate the severity of the clashes. One resident said:
“Right now, there are very heavy explosions. We hear many bombs and the continuous sound of large guns.”
Another resident added:
“Burundian forces and FARDC began retreating, leaving behind military equipment in Kalingi, while MRDP-Twirwaneho and M23 continued advancing with strong momentum.”
Reports indicate that although fighting is still ongoing in some areas, there are signs that government forces have begun withdrawing from certain locations where they had launched attacks. Meanwhile, armed groups claiming to defend civilians are reportedly strengthening their positions to prevent further assaults on civilian populations.
These attacks once again highlight the persistent insecurity in the highlands of Minembwe, where civilians continue to face danger amid clashes between opposing forces in a conflict that has lasted for more than a decade—destroying livelihoods, causing displacement, and leaving deep psychological trauma.
