The Twirwaneho militia, known for defending the rights of the Banyamulenge people against alleged persecution by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, has announced its alliance with the AFC/M23 coalition in a bid to overthrow the Kinshasa administration.
Twirwaneho, which has historically maintained a defensive stance rather than launching offensives against Kinshasa, has now shifted its strategy, openly declaring its intent to fight against the DRC government.
This decision follows the recent death of Twirwaneho’s leader, Col. Rukunda Michel, also known as Makanika, who was reportedly killed in a drone attack carried out by DRC forces on February 19, 2025.
Brig. Gen. Charles Sematama, the newly appointed leader of Twirwaneho, told Voice of America that Col. Rukunda’s mission must be completed, regardless of the challenges ahead.
“We must ensure that his vision is fulfilled. We have always collaborated, and this alliance will strengthen our cause,” Brig. Gen. Sematama stated.
He emphasized that Twirwaneho has been engaged in a self-defense war for seven years, seeking international intervention and urging Kinshasa to cease its discriminatory policies and protect all citizens equally. However, after continued inaction from the global community, the militia has decided to take matters into its own hands.
“Mai Mai militias allied with the FDLR have consistently launched attacks on Banyamulenge communities, destroying their homes. We have called for international intervention, but the world has remained silent. The massacres have continued, culminating in the assassination of our leader. Now, we are officially joining forces with others to restore lasting security, as the government has failed to do so,” he asserted.
Brig. Gen. Sematama accused Kinshasa of using Mai Mai militias as proxies to attack Banyamulenge communities. Since government forces themselves are now directly involved in attacks, Twirwaneho has decided to unite with other groups aiming to topple the current regime.
When asked whether this shift in strategy might be controversial among the Banyamulenge or Twirwaneho fighters, Brig. Gen. Sematama responded that all Banyamulenge people recognize Kinshasa as their primary oppressor. He affirmed that aligning with M23 is well understood among the community.
As part of this renewed military effort, Twirwaneho claims to have seized control of Minembwe in Fizi Territory, South Kivu Province, along with other strategic locations.
“We have taken Minembwe and driven out FARDC troops. Today, we have moved into Mikenke, and we will continue advancing. Wherever Banyamulenge live, we will establish our presence. Now that we have allied with others, we will press forward to liberate the entire DRC, ensuring peace for all its citizens,” he said.
Regarding concerns about new recruits or external support, Brig. Gen. Sematama denied enlisting additional forces but highlighted a strategic shift in objectives.
“We remain the same fighters. Previously, we would repel attacks and push the enemy back to their bases before withdrawing. Now, we are determined to remove them entirely because the killings have persisted. We urge all Congolese citizens to rise. We call on all young Banyamulenge to join us in defending our people and removing this murderous government that is committing genocide against us.”
Asked about the possibility of disarmament and engaging in dialogue, he firmly rejected the idea.
“We are being killed. Should we lay down our weapons and let them slaughter us? The international community should direct those calls elsewhere. We are fighting for survival and have long pleaded for help. Now, we must restore security for our children and families.”
Following Col. Rukunda’s death, M23 military spokesperson Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma reassured the Banyamulenge community that they would be liberated.
On February 21, 2025, Lt. Col. Ngoma shared a message alongside a photo of Col. Rukunda, vowing that those seeking to exterminate the Banyamulenge in the DRC were misguided and that their liberation was imminent.
“Let it be known to those plotting the extermination of the Banyamulenge in the DRC that they are mistaken. The Banyamulenge are Congolese citizens, residing in their ancestral land. They are guided by the light of God, and soon they will be free to live peacefully in their country.”
The AFC/M23 coalition, now strengthened by Twirwaneho’s support, has consistently outmaneuvered the DRC’s military alliance. The rebel group now controls vast swathes of territory in North and South Kivu, including key cities like Goma and Bukavu.
The Banyamulenge have faced systemic discrimination and violence in the DRC since colonial times. Large-scale massacres began in 1964 during the Mulele Rebellion and recurred in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Since April 2017, violence against them has escalated significantly, reaching new heights in recent years.
