The highlands of Minembwe have witnessed a surge in violent attacks over the past weeks, with heavy artillery shelling, airstrikes, and ground offensives targeting the Banyamulenge population.
Reports indicate that forces aligned with the Kinshasa regime, including the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), MAI-MAI Wazalendo militias, and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), have intensified their operations, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
On March 10, 2025, Sukhoi-25 fighter jets bombarded Minembwe Airport, destroying its runway and cutting off the only viable route for humanitarian aid. The airstrikes reportedly left critical infrastructure in ruins, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
Days later, on March 19, a large-scale ground offensive was launched against Banyamulenge civilians. According to reports, FARDC officers, including Colonel Guy and Major Papy, led the assault alongside MAI-MAI factions from Fizi, Mwenga, and Uvira, as well as FDLR elements commanded by Colonel Hamada and Major Safari.
The attacks were concentrated across multiple locations, including Bilalo Mbili, Gakenke, Karege, and Bigaragara.
The violence has also spread to Uvira, where Wazalendo militias have reportedly looted churches with Banyamulenge congregations. Additionally, Banyamulenge soldiers and police officers within the FARDC ranks have been arrested and subjected to torture.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and the M23 rebel movement have issued a strong condemnation, describing the attacks as an orchestrated campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Banyamulenge.
The AFC and M23 accuse the Kinshasa regime of waging an eight-year-long campaign to wipe out the community under the false pretext of targeting Rwandan elements.
The AFC also alleges that the Burundi National Defense Forces (FNDB) have joined the Kinshasa coalition in launching attacks against Banyamulenge youth in Ruhuha and Rubarati. The group denounced what it called the hypocrisy of Kinshasa’s involvement in peace efforts while simultaneously conducting military operations against civilians.
In its statement, the AFC called on the international community to take immediate action to halt what it describes as “genocidal acts” and vowed to take “all necessary measures” to protect the Banyamulenge population from further atrocities.
As the conflict intensifies, concerns are growing over the fate of thousands of displaced civilians, with humanitarian access now severely restricted. The situation remains highly volatile, with no signs of de-escalation.