MINEMBWE: CALM RETURNS AFTER SECURITY SHIFTS – ME BYASHONI DELIVERS A MESSAGE OF HOPE
Me Maniragaba Byashoni John, a Munyamulenge residing in Minembwe, announced that this Sunday, 05/07/2026, security was observed in Minembwe and that the situation is stable. He stated that the day was marked by calmness and a sense of relief among the local population.
In his message titled “The End of Confinement, the Beginning of Hope,” Me Byashoni said that residents are beginning to regain confidence and hope of returning to normal life, following changes he described in the military situation in the area.
He stated:
“After the MRDP-Twirwaneho announced that it had taken control of the Mikenge area on 02/07/2026, as well as Point Zéro and its surrounding areas on 03/07/2026, residents have begun to feel hopeful that the period of confinement and fear is gradually coming to an end.”
Me Byashoni further stated that on 05/07/2026, Minembwe experienced calm, with residents expressing joy and hope of resuming their daily activities, including farming, trade, and other routine livelihoods.
He added that residents are awaiting the full resumption of trade and development activities, as security continues to appear stable.
These developments come following messages of gratitude and praise, with reports indicating that MRDP-Twirwaneho took control of areas surrounding the Minembwe center after prolonged fighting between the group and a coalition of forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, consisting of FARDC, Burundian forces, Wazalendo, Kayumba Nyamwasa’s P5, and FDLR.
Reports further indicate that FARDC and its allies are currently positioned in Mulima, Rusuku, Bibogobogo, and Nakiheli, while MRDP-Twirwaneho controls Minembwe and its surrounding areas, including Mikenge, Rwitsankuku, and Point Zéro, where some displaced residents have begun returning home.
Although more than three weeks of intense fighting have been reported in the area, some residents and close observers say insecurity has been ongoing for a long time, noting that recent weeks have marked a further escalation, while the Banyamulenge community states they have faced over a decade of recurring attacks and insecurity.
In conclusion, Me Byashoni emphasized that hope for peace and stability is the most important feeling now emerging among residents, and called for the consolidation of calm so that normal life can be sustainably restored.