Colonel Michel Makanika Is Alive Despite Reports of His Death in Minembwe
Colonel Michel Makanika, the leader of Twirwaneho forces operating in the mountainous regions of Itombwe in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, has been confirmed alive. Contrary to widespread media reports claiming his death, a senior Twirwaneho official has assured that Makanika is unharmed.
On the evening of February 19, 2025, several media outlets—many aligned with President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration, along with international news agencies—reported that Colonel Makanika had been killed by a drone strike launched by the Congolese army (FARDC).
According to these reports, including one from Voice of America, Makanika was allegedly targeted and killed in Gakangala, Minembwe. The reports further claimed that the drone strike originated from Marango in Gahwela, near the prominent Gitavi landmark.
However, kivupride.com has obtained exclusive information from a senior Twirwaneho leader confirming that Colonel Makanika is alive and that the drone strike did not hit any Twirwaneho positions. Instead, the attack targeted civilian homes.
“I can confirm that Makanika is not dead. The reports claiming otherwise are being spread by the Congolese government forces,” the Twirwaneho leader stated.
He added: “They are trying to cover up the fact that they bombed civilian villages inhabited by Banyamulenge people. Their claim that Makanika was killed is nothing but a blatant lie.”
The FARDC drone strike in Gakangala targeted areas near the Lwiko River in Minembwe, affecting three villages: Ndegu, Basita, and Neuf. Colonel Makanika was reportedly in Neuf at the time of the attack.
The Congolese army allegedly launched this assault in an attempt to eliminate Makanika, whom they accuse of collaborating with the M23 movement—a group that has been a persistent challenge to government forces.
Makanika recently stated that he saw no issue in cooperating with M23, arguing that their struggle aligns with the broader fight for survival.
“Anyone who opposes oppression, discrimination, and targeted killings—whether M23 or others—is someone we can stand with,” Makanika was quoted as saying
