Armed groups Twirwaneho and M23/AFC-M23 claim to have seized control of the strategic Point Zéro position in the Itombwe sector of Mwenga territory, South Kivu. The groups reported taking the position after several hours of fighting in the region. This assertion by the armed factions, which has not yet been independently verified, suggests a significant shift in control over a key strategic point within the volatile region.
Intense Fighting Reported
The Twirwaneho armed group initiated an offensive against the Point Zéro position on Saturday, July 4th. This assault led to intense fighting reported across several surrounding areas. Local reports indicate clashes occurred on the axes connecting Mikenge, Kalongi, and Rubemba, signifying a broad engagement across multiple fronts. These confrontations involved significant exchanges, impacting the stability of the immediate vicinity and forcing military personnel to adjust their positions.
Local sources claim that elements of the FARDC (Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo) and the FDNB (Forces de Défense Nationale du Burundi) abandoned multiple positions during the hostilities. These abandoned locations reportedly include Point Zéro itself, along with Mikenge, Kalongi, Rubemba, and Kakenge. The military personnel then retreated towards Mutambala, Mukera, and into the neighboring Fizi territory, according to these sources. This alleged withdrawal notes the intensity of the fighting and the pressure faced by the FARDC and FDNB forces. The strategic implications of such an abandonment, if confirmed, could be substantial for regional control.
Strategic Importance of Point Zéro
According to the armed groups, Point Zéro served as one of the primary strongholds for the FARDC, FDNB, and the Wazalendo militia, which is supported by Kinshasa, across the high plateaus. The groups assert that the capture of this position holds significant strategic implications. Point Zéro is situated within the Itombwe massif, a location described by the armed groups as key for controlling several key transportation routes. These strategic axes reportedly connect the areas of Minembwe, Mikenge, Mwenga, and Fizi, making the position vital for movements within the region. Its control could therefore influence access and supply lines across a broad geographic area in South Kivu, potentially disrupting military operations and humanitarian aid routes. The base's location in the Itombwe massif further shows its importance, as this rugged terrain offers natural defensive advantages and overlooks critical transit points.
Regional Context and Deployments
The Forces de Défense Nationale du Burundi (FDNB) actively participates in joint operations with the FARDC, targeting various armed groups across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This military cooperation occurs amid rising tensions in the high plateaus, which have intensified following the M23/AFC-M23 withdrawal from Uvira in January 2026. This withdrawal marked a turning point, leading to increased skirmishes and a more complex security landscape. A report from the Congolese Ministry of Interior and Security indicated that more than 29,000 Burundian soldiers were deployed in eastern DRC between August 2022 and December 2025, showing the significant foreign military presence in the region. These deployments are part of a broader effort to stabilize eastern DRC, which has been plagued by various armed groups for decades. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have sought to de-escalate regional conflicts. Agreements signed in Washington on June 27, 2026, between the DRC and Rwanda specifically aimed to reduce hostilities and establish a framework for military disengagement in the broader region, reflecting international concern over the escalating violence.
Official Silence and Resident Fears
Residents of Mulima center claimed Burundian soldiers were targeted by drone strikes on Friday, adding another layer of complexity to the security situation and raising concerns about new forms of warfare in the conflict. There has been no official reaction from the FARDC, FDNB, or Burundian authorities regarding the claims made by the two armed groups at the time of publication. This lack of official comment leaves the claims unverified and adds to the uncertainty surrounding the actual control of Point Zéro and the broader military situation in the Itombwe sector. The silence from official channels often complicates efforts to understand the true scope and impact of such reported events on the ground.