Burundian Forces Resume Attacks in Minembwe
The AFC/M23 rebel coalition fighting the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Burundian forces stationed in South Kivu of launching fresh attacks on Banyamulenge communities in the Minembwe highlands.
According to AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, Burundian troops resumed what he described as “indiscriminate and deadly operations” early on Thursday, December 11, 2025. He alleged that the attacks were aimed at “exterminating” Banyamulenge civilians.
“Since early dawn this Thursday, December 11, 2025, these forces—having dug trenches in the high mountains—have resumed their intolerable atrocities aimed at wiping out our fellow Banyamulenge Tutsi in Minembwe,” Kanyuka said in a statement.
He claimed that Burundian forces fired artillery shells into populated areas, killing civilians including women and children. Independent verification of the allegations remains unavailable due to limited access to the conflict zone.
Burundian troops have maintained positions around Minembwe for an extended period, even after some of their units stationed in the Rusizi Valley returned home following clashes in which AFC/M23 claimed to have pushed them out.
The rebel coalition has now called on the remaining Burundian soldiers in South Kivu to withdraw. Kanyuka said AFC/M23 would provide them safe passage but warned that if they choose to continue fighting, the group is prepared to confront them.
The situation in the Minembwe region remains tense, with rising fears of further escalation in a zone already marked by cycles of violence and ethnic tensions. Authorities in Bujumbura and Kinshasa had not immediately responded to the allegations by press time.
