MCN Investigation Finds No Evidence of Reported Fighting in Nyaruhinga and Mukoko
Reports claiming that the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), together with Burundian forces and the Wazalendo and FDLR armed groups, launched attacks against positions held by MRDP-Twirwaneho and M23 in Nyaruhinga and Mukoko, near Minembwe, have not been substantiated by an investigation conducted by Minembwe Capital News (MCN).
Reports circulating in recent hours alleged that heavy fighting had taken place in the two areas. Some of these reports were disseminated by journalists perceived to be operating in support of the Kinshasa government.
MCN conducted its own verification based on information obtained from people present in the area, as well as sources within MRDP-Twirwaneho and M23, who said they control the locations in question.
In conversations with MCN, members of the armed groups said there had been no fighting in Nyaruhinga or Mukoko as reported.
One of the sources stated:
“It is true that there has been no fighting here in Nyaruhinga or Mukoko. This is where we are.”
The source further said that, because of the terrain and security measures put in place, access routes leading into the area are being closely monitored.
“Even if the enemy wanted to attack here, we cannot say they would find a route through. We have blocked all the roads.”
Where Are Nyaruhinga and Mukoko Located?
Mukoko and Nyaruhinga are located east of Minembwe Centre, in an area near a location known as Gakenke.
The area is considered strategically important because of its geographical position and the routes connecting different parts of the wider Minembwe area.
FARDC Drone Reportedly Struck Areas of Rusuku and Kwa Mulima
Although MCN found no evidence of fighting in Nyaruhinga or Mukoko, a member of MRDP-Twirwaneho told MCN that, the previous day and during the night that followed, a FARDC drone carried out strikes in forested areas around Rusuku and Kwa Mulima.
According to the source, the bombs were dropped at a considerable distance from the positions occupied by their forces. As a result, the source claimed that neither personnel nor military equipment belonging to their side was damaged.
MCN has not independently verified this claim.
MRDP-Twirwaneho Says Security Conditions Have Changed in Areas Under Its Control
Members of MRDP-Twirwaneho told MCN that security conditions have changed in areas they say they have taken control of, including Point Zero, Mikenke, Rwitsankuku, Bilalombili and other locations.
According to these sources, civilian life in some of these areas has become more stable compared with previous periods.
They further claimed that residents have resumed movement in certain areas with less fear and that, in locations they say they control, the sound of gunfire has become less frequent than before.
MCN Verification
As of the time of publication, Minembwe Capital News has found no evidence independently confirming reports of fighting in Nyaruhinga or Mukoko as initially reported.
The information concerning alleged FARDC drone strikes in the forests around Rusuku and Kwa Mulima was provided by sources affiliated with MRDP-Twirwaneho. MCN has not yet obtained independent evidence either confirming or disproving those claims.
Minembwe Capital News (MCN)
