Twirwaneho Seizes Strategic Point-Zéro in South Kivu Offensive

MINEMBWE, South Kivu, July 4, 2026 - The armed group MRDP-Twirwaneho announced on Saturday that it had captured the strategic Point-Zéro area and several surrounding localities following a military offensive against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundian forces in South Kivu Province. The group said its fighters took control of Point-Zéro, Baruta, Kalonge, Bicumbi, and Rubemba by 8:35 a.m. local time after clashes that targeted positions held by the Congolese army, Burundian troops, FDLR fighters, and Wazalendo militias. It claimed the operation marked a significant battlefield victory and indicated that military advances could continue toward other areas in Fizi Territory. The capture of Point-Zéro follows Twirwaneho's seizure of Mikenke and Bilalombili on July 1, further expanding its control around Minembwe Commune. The latest gains strengthen the group's presence in a region that has witnessed intense fighting in recent months. Point-Zéro is considered a strategic military position because it sits atop the Fizi mountain range and controls road networks linking Uvira, Minembwe, Mikenke, Fizi, and Baraka. Control of the area provides a tactical advantage for military operations across southern South Kivu. The group has previously accused government forces of using Point-Zéro as a staging ground for planned offensives against Minembwe and neighboring Banyamulenge-populated areas. Although Twirwaneho briefly captured the position in January 2026, it later lost control after counteroffensives involving drones and Congolese special forces. The latest operation marks the group's return to one of the most strategically important positions in the region.