Minembwe: Civilians and Livestock Continue to Be Killed in Drone Attacks by FARDC and Burundian Forces
Reports emerging from the highlands of Mulenge, in the Minembwe area of South Kivu Province, indicate that military operations are intensifying, with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in attacks that are said to be causing civilian and livestock casualties.
Reliable sources from the area state that the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in collaboration with Burundian troops and armed groups including Wazalendo and FDLR, have carried out drone strikes that have resulted in the deaths of civilians and numerous livestock, particularly cattle, while others have been seriously injured.
According to these sources, the attacks continued on the evening of March 29, 2026, lasting throughout the night until the morning of Manday, March 30, 2026. Residents reported hearing loud and sustained drone fire across different parts of their communities, creating widespread fear and trauma.
One message received by Minembwe Capital News from a local resident stated:
“Drones fired continuously throughout the night, from the evening until morning. At dawn, a young child who was herding cattle in the Gakenke area of Barabona was struck by the drone and died instantly.”
The resident further reported that the attacks killed three cows, while about ten others were severely injured, worsening the economic hardship of local communities, whose livelihoods largely depend on livestock farming.
These incidents follow similar attacks reported in the same area last week, where drones allegedly killed civilians both at the beginning and the end of the week. This ongoing pattern is raising serious concerns about civilian safety, particularly in areas frequently affected by clashes between different armed actors.
The Minembwe area and the Mulenge highlands have long been characterized by conflicts rooted in ethnic tensions, land disputes, and governance issues. Over the years, the region has been the site of recurring violence involving government forces and armed groups such as Mai-Mai (Wazalendo), FDLR, and other militias of diverse origins, often targeting villages inhabited by Banyamulenge communities in and around Minembwe.
The introduction of drone technology into military operations marks a significant shift in the conduct of warfare in the region. While considered a modern method of combat, it has drawn strong criticism due to its impact on civilians, especially when used in densely populated areas.
Human rights organizations continue to express concern over the use of drones in civilian areas, calling for thorough investigations into these incidents and for concrete measures to ensure the protection of civilians.
So far, no detailed official statement has been issued by government authorities regarding these attacks, while residents continue to appeal for assistance and protection, warning that their lives remain in serious danger.
As military operations escalate in the region, questions persist about how a lasting solution to these long-standing conflicts can be achieved, and how civilians can be better protected in times of war.