M23 and Twirwaneho, armed groups belonging to the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) opposing the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have expelled from Rugezi the troops fighting on the side of the state, including those from Congo, Burundian forces, FDLR, and Wazalendo.
In a brief update on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, fighters from the M23 and Twirwaneho groups took control of several areas in Rugezi. Rugezi is located in the southern part of the western region of the Minembwe commune, within the Lulenge sector in the Fizi territory.
Reports received by Minembwe Capital News confirm that a significant area in this part of Rugezi known as Badinzi, as well as Budamu and other nearby locations, including where the former main hospital of Rugezi was situated, have been liberated by M23 and Twirwaneho.
This follows intense fighting that began around midday on Tuesday between these two groups affiliated with the AFC and the Congolese Armed Forces.
After the Abanyamulenge fled from this area of Rugezi in 2021, FDLR and Wazalendo immediately established their main bases there.
It is reported that these fighters were launching attacks on Abanyamulenge in Minembwe and its surroundings from this area.We are defending ourselves alongside M23 as they took this area after they also captured other areas including Byalele, Timbyangoma, and others yesterday, Monday.
Not only that, but they also took other parts including Ronderi and Magara.
We remind you that these areas s being taken since yesterday, Monday, all located across the large Rwiko River coming from Minembwe, known as the capital of Mulenge in the South Kivu province.
Meanwhile, fighting continues as the Congolese Armed Forces are still fleeing towards Milimba, known as a stronghold of FDLR and Wazalendo.
