At least 100 cattle belonging to the Banyamulenge have been stolen by the coalition of armed groups from the Democratic Republic of Congo on the outskirts of Minembwe center, according to reports from the area.
In the early morning of Saturday, April 12, 2025, the FARDC, FDLR, FDNB, and Wazalendo launched an attack in Gahwela where the cattle were being herded.
Gahwela is located about 10 kilometers from the center of Minembwe.
Reports indicate that this coalition attacked and stole these cattle, originating from the areas of the Lelenge sector in the Fizi territory.
One munyamulenge resident in the area told Minembwe Capital News that it was not only cattle that were stolen, but also other livestock (sheep and goats).
He stated: “In Gahwela, more than a hundred cattle and many other livestock were stolen.”
After the coalition stole many cattle and livestock, early in the morning, they launched further attacks in the Rugezi area.
These attacks were reported to have occurred in Nyangabyuma and other nearby areas.
Earlier this week, Twirwaneho and M23 took over the entire Rugezi area after intense fighting with the coalition of Congolese armed groups.
This left both groups, M23 and Twirwaneho, in control of an area known for its rich mineral resources, mainly of the types Coltan, Copper, and others.
We know that this part of Rugezi since 2020 had become a stronghold for the FDLR and Wazalendo, where they received support from government forces.
Rugezi had been inhabited for a long time by these fighters from Wazalendo and FDLR, who had settled there; moreover, they were also mining precious stones there. Not only that, but it is also said to be the area that protects Milimba, known to be inhabited by many Abapfulero.
This is one of the reasons why this coalition of Congolese forces does not abandon this area. In this regard, they continue to launch attacks there. Since Twirwaneho and M23 took control, they have been attacked by this coalition twice, and today marks the third time they have been attacked.
However, even though this coalition launches these attacks from behind, it does not prevent M23 and Twirwaneho from pushing them back, and today they were repelled.
