In a statement released on the evening of May 18, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said several densely populated parts of Minembwe had come under heavy attack from armed drones.
“Drone strikes are currently targeting populated neighborhoods in Minembwe, spreading panic among civilians,” Kanyuka said. “Homes are being destroyed and families are fleeing as explosions and fires continue across the area.”
The coalition claimed the attacks are part of a broader campaign targeting communities in Minembwe and neighboring areas, particularly members of the Banyamulenge community. AFC/M23 accused Burundian troops, FDLR terrorist group and Wazalendo militias of taking part in the operations alongside Congolese government forces.
On the same day, Col Fidèle Rugabo of the MRDP-Twirwaneho armed group, which operates in Minembwe, condemned what he described as a violation of the ceasefire.
“We are alerting both the international community and the Congolese population about these attacks,” Rugabo said. “We will continue defending ourselves until the very end.”
According to AFC/M23, further strikes were carried out on May 19 and 20 in areas including Kalingi, Bidegu and Gakenke, allegedly using Chinese-made KT-6 and CH-4 drones.
The renewed fighting is also said to be disrupting humanitarian activities that had recently resumed in Minembwe. Since late April 2026, teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross had restarted deliveries of medicines and medical supplies to the area.
AFC/M23 further alleged that humanitarian aid vehicles heading to Minembwe on May 19 were intercepted by Wazalendo fighters at Point-Zéro and forced to turn back.
“Kinsasha and its allied forces continue blocking access routes to Minembwe, worsening an already critical humanitarian situation and putting thousands of civilians at risk,” Kanyuka stated.
The coalition also reported fresh overnight attacks between May 20 and the morning of May 21 in Gakenke, Kalingi, Kalonge and Bidegu, again involving suicide drones.
In North Kivu Province, AFC/M23 said Congolese forces also launched attacks around Katoyi center in Masisi Territory.
Despite the continued clashes, AFC/M23 said it would keep fighting to protect civilians and their property.
Leave a Reply