DRC Forces Launch Airstrike in Minembwe Amid South Kivu Conflict

Minembwe, South Kivu, DRC - The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) launched an airstrike in the Minembwe region, which connects the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga, on the morning of December 12, 2025. The attack targeted a camp in the Mikenke area as DRC and Burundian forces continue to clash in the region, according to politician Moïse Nyarugabo.

Nyarugabo condemned the strike, stating: “No army of this criminal alliance expects to gain military advantage from this attack. These are bombs being fired to kill and destroy. The planes and drones targeting civilian areas, villages, and people will not go unchallenged.”

He criticized the DRC government for accusing AFC/M23 of violating the ceasefire while conducting airstrikes and drone attacks on civilian populations.

DRC and Burundian forces are currently stationed in the highlands around Minembwe, where they have reportedly blocked access to markets and clinics, accusing local residents of collaboration with the enemy. The MRDP-Twirwaneho group, representing Minembwe residents, claimed these restrictions target civilians based on their Banyamulenge ethnicity.

In recent weeks, AFC/M23 has captured large parts of South Kivu in the Rusizi Valley, prompting many Burundian, DRC, Wazalendo, and FDLR forces to flee to areas including Bujumbura and Fizi. Nyarugabo noted that troops in the South Kivu highlands are the main source of security problems for civilians, but nearby, AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho fighters have pledged to end the threat.