What You Need to Know
Intense fighting has erupted in the Minembwe Highlands of South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, between the Congolese army and Twirwanihyo fighters. The clashes have forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes, facing dire humanitarian conditions. The violence has escalated, marking one of the most severe outbreaks this year, with significant military support for the Congolese forces.
Africa-Press. Intense fighting has erupted in the Minembwe Highlands of South Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, between the Congolese army and Twirwanihyo fighters allied with the March 23 Movement, supported by Kigali. The fighting is concentrated about 100 kilometers east of the town of Baraka.
According to local sources, the intensity of the clashes has escalated unprecedentedly, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their villages in recent weeks.
The displaced individuals are facing dire humanitarian conditions due to limited access to basic necessities. Sources describe these confrontations as “one of the fiercest waves of violence the region has seen since the beginning of the year.”
The armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo are on the front lines, supported by the Burundian army and the Wazalendo militias, along with heavy aerial support, including the use of attack drones.
Under this military pressure, the Twirwanihyo militia has withdrawn from several positions over the past week. The spokesperson for the Congolese army, Lieutenant Kalongi Mbuyi, stated in a report that the forces have regained control of several villages in the sector.
While operations are concentrated in South Kivu, violence has also spread to North Kivu, where airstrikes and shelling continue, according to field reports confirming ongoing targeting of residential areas by government drones.
Civil society organizations report that fighting since early February has led to the displacement of over 200,000 civilians, most of whom have sought refuge in Fizi territory. Mufashi Santos, head of the Minembwe Civil Society Organization, revealed that airstrikes have destroyed dozens of homes in an area predominantly inhabited by the Banyamulenge people, and the fighting has led to the closure of health facilities, schools, and markets.
In a related context, new clashes erupted on Sunday, February 22, in the Masisi region of North Kivu between the Congolese army and Wazalendo militias on one side, and the Congo Liberation Front/March 23 Movement on the other. Sources reported that hundreds of residents fled to Kebab and Njongo following the military attack that enabled government forces to seize control of the main town of Katoyi, located about 100 kilometers west of Goma.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced ongoing conflict for decades, with various armed groups vying for control over resources and territory. The region of South Kivu has been particularly affected by violence, often involving local militias and foreign-backed forces. The humanitarian situation remains critical, with many civilians displaced and in need of assistance due to the persistent instability.
