Minembwe bombardments reported as FARDC coalition Clash with M23

Heavy fighting was reported Thursday in the highlands of Minembwe, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as clashes intensified between AFC/M23 fighters and coalition forces composed of the Congolese army, Burundian troops, and local militias.

According to local sources and regional reports, the violence took place across several villages in the Minembwe area, including Kakenge, Kabingu, Ilundu, Muriza, and Kalingi. The fighting follows a military offensive launched approximately two weeks ago by the FARDC against positions held by Twirwaneho fighters allied with AFC/M23.

Civilian casualties reported

Senator Moise Nyarugabo said the latest attacks targeted villages largely inhabited by Banyamulenge communities. He claimed that bombardments supported by drones and heavy artillery struck several locations on Thursday.

According to the senator, a 101-year-old civilian identified as Elisabeth Mukuzakabano was killed during shelling in Minembwe. Two other women were reportedly injured when explosives hit Bidegu Hospital.

Nyarugabo also alleged that repeated bombings had occurred earlier in the week in Kalingi, Bidegu, Rubemba, Karongi, Mukoko, and Ilundu, with multiple strikes reported each day from Tuesday through Thursday.

He criticized what he described as limited international reaction to the situation, calling on regional and global institutions to respond to the escalating violence.

Ceasefire announcement amid renewed clashes

The renewed fighting comes as Angola announced a planned ceasefire between Kinshasa and AFC/M23 scheduled to take effect on February 18, 2026. The truce proposal follows ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in eastern Congo.

AFC/M23 has repeatedly accused the Congolese army of violating previous ceasefire commitments linked to negotiations held in Doha. The group maintains that it remains open to dialogue and political solutions to end the conflict.