DRC Military and FDLR Accused of Burning Banyamulenge Homes in South Kivu

South Kivu, February 18, 2026 - The armed group MRDP-Twirwaneho has accused the DRC military coalition, including FARDC troops and allied FDLR forces, of burning Banyamulenge homes in several villages of South Kivu Province during recent clashes. The statement, issued on February 18, 2026, was a response to claims made by acting DRC military spokesperson Lt. Col. Mak Hazukay, who had accused Twirwaneho of the destruction. Twirwaneho rejected these allegations, calling them “baseless and shameless.” “Contrary to what the FARDC announced, soldiers of the government coalition-including the DRC army, allied groups, and foreign forces-during their operations and so-called ‘strategic response’ were the ones who burned the houses of Banyamulenge civilians in Kalingi, Gakenke, and Kalongi,” the group said. Impact on Civilians A local resident reported that airstrikes by government forces have targeted communities in Minembwe Commune and surrounding areas for nearly two weeks. “This is the second week that planes have been shooting at the population. They started at Point-Zéro, then moved to Bidegu, and finally Kalongi, where houses were burned and residents fled to Ilundu. Villages were destroyed,” the resident said. The witness condemned the attacks, questioning how government forces could claim to be fighting Twirwaneho while targeting civilian homes and infrastructure, including hospitals. Allegations of Cover-Up Twirwaneho further alleged that while criminal activities continue in Minembwe and border areas, the DRC government is conducting a campaign to conceal these actions, allowing destruction and attacks to remain undetected. The accusations underscore escalating tensions in South Kivu, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of military operations in a complex and volatile security environment.