DR Congo army, Twirwaneho militia clash in South Kivu amid humanitarian crisis

Tensions remain high in Minembwe, South Kivu, where violent clashes erupted on June 24 between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the Twirwaneho armed group, reportedly supported by Rwanda. The militia claims the FARDC conducted drone strikes against its positions, a narrative local actors dismiss as a "desperate move" to deflect from the reality on the ground.

These repeated attacks by the Twirwaneho militia against FARDC-held positions are fueling instability and driving new population displacements, worsening an already precarious humanitarian situation. Local civil society groups confirmed the escalating crisis, while Béatrice Nanvano, a deputy elected from South Kivu, lamented the persistent deadlock in de-escalation efforts.

Samy Badibanga, administrator of the Fizi territory, highlighted the severe human consequences, estimating thousands of victims and vulnerable individuals affected by the insecurity. He urged a shift in rhetoric among stakeholders to foster a cessation of hostilities and restore peace to the region. Meanwhile, at a regional security meeting in London on June 24, Kinshasa and Kigali recommitted to easing tensions surrounding the Minembwe situation.