DRC army reportedly preparing major offensive in Minembwe

The AFC/M23 coalition, which is in conflict with government forces, said that since the morning of May 15, 2026, the DRC government ordered the deployment of attack helicopters from Kalemie in Tanganyika Province to South Kivu to support ongoing operations.

AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the helicopters, which are equipped with heavy weaponry, add to other military assets already being used in operations around Minembwe, including drones, heavy artillery, and Sukhoi-25 fighter jets.

He alleged that the DRC government intends to “wipe Minembwe off the map” and target its civilian population, adding that some of its alleged international supporters were enabling the operation both militarily and politically.

The group further claimed that while international actors continue to remain silent on the escalation, it would continue what it described as defending civilians using all available means.

The deployment of helicopters follows drone and airstrikes involving Sukhoi-25 jets and ground forces carried out on May 14 in areas around Minembwe, including Kalingi, Gakenke, Bidegu, and Rugezi.

AFC/M23 deputy coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa in charge of politics and diplomacy warned that if mediators do not respond to what he described as continued provocations by the DRC government, the group may no longer feel bound to uphold unilateral commitments to a ceasefire.

“It is unacceptable that mediators and those facilitating talks remain silent while Kinshasa continues its provocations. AFC/M23 cannot uphold agreements alone while the other side violates them,” he said.

On May 7, AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa wrote to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressing dissatisfaction with what he described as Washington’s open alignment with the DRC government, despite its stated commitment to peace in the region.

Nangaa also argued that a mineral resources agreement signed between the United States and the DRC in December 2025 was being used by Kinshasa as political cover while continuing military operations.