Intense fighting has erupted around Minembwe in South Kivu for nearly a week, pitting Twirwaneho fighters allied with the AFC-M23 coalition against the FARDC, supported by the FDNB and Wazalendo militias. These violent clashes opposed the Twirwaneho fighters, who are allied with the AFC-M23 coalition, directly against the FARDC, supported by the FDNB and Wazalendo militias, marking a significant escalation in the region. The clashes reached maximum intensity during the week, involving heavy weapons, drones, and bombardments, indicating the severity and scale of the engagements. Twirwaneho/M23 fighters claim to have pushed back the government coalition from several positions around Minembwe, asserting control over several peripheral locations. Indeed, several peripheral positions of Minembwe were reportedly left under the control of Twirwaneho/M23 fighters following these intense confrontations, suggesting a territorial gain for the coalition.
Escalation and Conflicting Accounts
The fighting took place across the high plateaus of Fizi and Mwenga territories in South-Kivu, an area frequently affected by instability and characterized by rugged terrain. Local and military sources have indicated a withdrawal of the forces engaged in the area. The FARDC, FDNB, and their allies reportedly withdrew towards the localities of Lwiko, Mutunda, and Miko following the confrontations. This withdrawal suggests a significant shift in the immediate dynamics of the conflict, potentially allowing the AFC-M23 coalition to consolidate its gains. Local military sources confirmed this repositioning, describing it as strategic, after particularly violent clashes had occurred in the Ilundu and Bidegu areas. The strategic nature of this repositioning, as described by military sources, hints at a tactical maneuver rather than a full retreat, though the intensity of the prior clashes in Ilundu and Bidegu shows the pressure faced by the government-allied forces. These areas, known for their strategic importance in the regional conflict, have been flashpoints for similar confrontations in the past.
Coalition Dynamics and Background
The M23 movement constitutes a main component of the AFC-M23 coalition, which is led by Corneille Nangaa. This coalition represents a significant armed force in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, posing a substantial challenge to government control. The AFC-M23 coalition reportedly relies on the Twirwaneho armed movement operating in the high plateaus of South-Kivu. This Twirwaneho movement is said to be composed primarily of young Banyamulenge individuals, reflecting the complex ethnic and political landscape of the region and the localized nature of some of the armed groups. The M23/AFC, identified as a predominantly Tutsi movement, is asserted to control or influence several strategic areas across both North and South-Kivu, demonstrating its broad territorial impact and operational reach. Their influence extends to critical supply routes and population centers, making them a formidable presence. This control allows them to exert significant pressure on local populations and government forces, impacting humanitarian access and regional stability.
AFC-M23 rebels withdrew from Uvira between December 2025 and January 2026. This withdrawal from Uvira was one of several movements by the coalition in recent times, indicating a dynamic and evolving military strategy. Prior to this, AFC-M23 elements also withdrew from some positions in the Rusizi plain. This withdrawal from the Rusizi plain occurred under international pressure, specifically including pressure from the United States, noting the diplomatic efforts involved in managing the conflict. These withdrawals, particularly from key strategic areas, indicate a complex interplay of military dynamics and external influence shaping the conflict's trajectory. The involvement of international actors like the United States shows the broader regional and global concerns regarding stability in the eastern DRC, particularly given the humanitarian consequences of sustained conflict.
Humanitarian Impact and Local Reaction
Human losses are reported among the FARDC, FDNB, and Wazalendo forces, though an official casualty count remains unavailable. The lack of an official toll makes it difficult to ascertain the full extent of the human cost of these recent clashes, leaving families in uncertainty. The Congolese Ministry of Interior and Security reported that over 29,000 Burundian soldiers were deployed in eastern DRC between August 2022 and December 2025. This substantial deployment of foreign troops notes the regional nature of the conflict and the efforts by neighboring countries to support the FARDC in their struggle against various armed groups. Residents fleeing the fighting towards Kiziba described scenes of panic and massive civilian displacement. The displacement of civilians is a tragic and recurring consequence of the ongoing violence, leaving thousands vulnerable and in need of assistance, including shelter, food, and medical care. Unverified information also indicates that Burundian FDNB soldiers abandoned equipment during their withdrawal towards Kakenge, near Miko. Such reports, if confirmed, could suggest a more disorderly retreat than a strategic repositioning, potentially impacting morale and future operational capabilities of the Burundian forces. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as communities are uprooted and livelihoods disrupted by the persistent insecurity, with many struggling to access basic necessities. The flow of information from the conflict zones remains challenging, with conflicting reports often emerging from different parties involved, making independent verification difficult for aid agencies and journalists alike. The long-term implications of these recent clashes on regional stability and the lives of ordinary citizens in South Kivu remain a pressing concern for both local authorities and international humanitarian organizations, who are working to address the immediate needs of those affected while advocating for lasting peace.