Minembwe Battle Remains Deadlocked as Fighting Intensifies on Multiple Fronts
MINEMBWE, South Kivu — Fierce fighting continues to escalate in the highlands of Minembwe in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where Twirwaneho fighters and AFC/M23 rebels are engaged in intense clashes with a coalition comprising the Congolese army (FARDC), Burundian troops, FDLR fighters, and pro-government Wazalendo militias.
According to sources from South Kivu, the conflict has become increasingly intense, with both sides suffering significant pressure as battles unfold across multiple fronts.
The fighting comes as government forces deploy substantial military assets, including Sukhoi-25 fighter jets, combat drones, and elite special forces units in an effort to gain ground around Minembwe.
Three Fronts of the Offensive
Reports from the area indicate that the Kinshasa-aligned coalition has launched coordinated operations along three key fronts aimed at advancing toward Minembwe Centre.
The first front stretches from Mikenke toward Gitavi, where some of the heaviest fighting has been reported. Gitavi is considered strategically important due to its elevated terrain, particularly Mount Gitavi, which offers a commanding position over the surrounding area and access routes to Minembwe. Despite repeated attacks, Twirwaneho fighters are reported to still hold the area.
On the second front, running through Bidegu and Kalingi, government forces have reportedly deployed elite units known as "Hiboux" and "Serpents Noir," supported by combat drones. This axis has seen limited advances by government troops, who are said to have reached Ruhinamavi before pushing toward Ilundu, a locality situated less than 10 kilometers from Minembwe Centre.
Meanwhile, operations on the Gakenke front are reportedly being led largely by Burundian forces working alongside FDLR fighters. Their objective is said to be advancing toward Minembwe through Mount Sinaï and the Lwiko River area, positions reportedly still under the control of Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 forces.
Strategic Importance of Minembwe
Minembwe remains one of the most strategically significant areas in South Kivu. Control of the region would provide both military and political advantages to whichever side succeeds in securing it.
Sources from the area suggest that authorities in Kinshasa are seeking to regain control of Minembwe before the Democratic Republic of Congo's Independence Day celebrations on June 30, a move that would carry significant symbolic and political weight.
For Twirwaneho and AFC/M23, maintaining control of the area is viewed as a demonstration of their ability to withstand a coalition that includes FARDC, Wazalendo militias, FDLR fighters, and Burundian troops.
Civilians Bear the Brunt
As the conflict intensifies, civilians continue to face severe consequences. Reports indicate that homes have been burned in parts of Gitavi, while the delivery of food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance has been disrupted by insecurity.
The Mahoro Peace Association recently reported that at least 30 people were injured during fighting between June 8 and June 11. Communication networks in several affected areas have also reportedly been disrupted.
No Clear Breakthrough
Despite the use of airpower, drones, and special forces, government-aligned troops have not yet succeeded in entering Minembwe Centre, according to reports from the battlefield.
At the same time, while Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 fighters continue to hold several defensive positions, they are facing increasing pressure from simultaneous offensives launched on multiple fronts.
With neither side achieving a decisive breakthrough, the battle for Minembwe remains one of the most intense confrontations in South Kivu, while civilians continue to suffer the consequences of the prolonged conflict.
