MRDP-Twirwaneho Speaks Out on Attacks Against Banyamulenge Villages, Calls for International Scrutiny of Burundi’s Military Role in the DRC
MRDP-Twirwaneho has announced that its forces repelled troops of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), Burundian forces, FDLR fighters, and Wazalendo militias following major attacks allegedly launched against Banyamulenge villages in the Minembwe area on Thursday.
According to a statement released by the spokesperson of MRDP-Twirwaneho on Thursday, June 11, 2026, this coalition of Congolese government forces and their allies carried out large-scale attacks on the villages of Bidegu, Lundu, and Kalingi, areas predominantly inhabited by Banyamulenge communities in the highlands of Fizi, Uvira, and Itombwe.
MRDP-Twirwaneho stated that the attacks were aimed at seizing control of these areas and intensifying pressure on the local civilian population. The movement said its forces responded and fought back until the attackers were pushed back.
According to information provided by MRDP-Twirwaneho, after a full day of fighting, the FARDC-led coalition suffered significant setbacks and was forced to retreat.
In the Bidegu and Lundu areas, MRDP-Twirwaneho claims that FARDC troops, Burundian forces, FDLR fighters, and Wazalendo militias were defeated and pushed across the Lwiko River, retreating from the villages they had attacked.
Similarly, in Kalingi, where heavy fighting reportedly began early in the morning, the coalition was allegedly pushed back across the same river and forced to withdraw toward Mutunda after failing to capture Twirwaneho positions in the area.
Residents of the affected areas reported hearing sustained gunfire from both small arms and heavy weapons throughout the morning, causing widespread concern among civilians. Some residents reportedly fled into the hills and other locations they considered relatively safer.
These clashes come after years of insecurity in the Minembwe highlands and surrounding areas of Uvira, Fizi, and Itombwe.
Since 2017, numerous Banyamulenge villages have repeatedly come under attack from various armed groups, forcing many civilians to flee their homes, while others have lost their lives or property.
MRDP-Twirwaneho maintains that since then it has continued to defend itself in order to protect Banyamulenge civilians. Meanwhile, the Congolese government accuses the movement of undermining security and collaborating with armed groups opposed to the authorities in Kinshasa.
In its statement, MRDP-Twirwaneho again accused FARDC of using the Mikenke military position as a base for planning and launching attacks against Banyamulenge civilians, noting that the area was previously a MONUSCO-protected camp before being converted into a military installation.
The movement also publicly accused the Government of Burundi of playing a direct role in military operations taking place in the Minembwe highlands and called for the withdrawal of Burundian troops from Congolese territory.
MRDP-Twirwaneho further rejected allegations by FARDC that Minembwe hosts fighters from RED-Tabara, a Burundian rebel group opposed to the government of Burundi. The movement described such claims as an attempt to justify and conceal ongoing military operations against civilians in the region.
In conclusion, MRDP-Twirwaneho called on the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), and other international organizations to conduct an independent investigation into alleged war crimes and human rights violations reported in the area.
The movement stated that it would continue protecting civilians and advocating for the reopening of humanitarian corridors and aid access routes, particularly in areas affected by the fighting.
At the time of writing, FARDC had not issued a detailed statement regarding MRDP-Twirwaneho’s claims that the coalition of Congolese government forces and its allies had been defeated and pushed back in the Bidegu, Lundu, and Kalingi areas.
However, information from local residents confirms that the fighting on Thursday was particularly intense, raising concerns that hostilities could resume in the coming hours or days.
This report is based on a statement issued by MRDP-Twirwaneho on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as well as information collected from areas affected by the clashes.
