The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have bolstered their military presence at Minembwe Airport in South Kivu. Troops, including FARDC forces, Wazalendo, and FDLR combatants, were deployed to the airport located in Kiziba village, which had previously been under the protection of a single government battalion of over 300 soldiers.
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This battalion is stationed near Kiziba village, home to the Free Methodist Church led by Superintendent Bitebetebe. A local resident reported to Minembwe.com that security around the airport had significantly tightened: “Security at Minembwe Airport has been ramped up. Since yesterday, a large number of FARDC soldiers, along with FDLR and Wazalendo forces, have been deployed to the area. More reinforcements also arrived in the evening.”
The report also noted that additional troops crossed from Madegu Center to Lundu, a key position overlooking the airport, where they installed heavy artillery.
This surge in military activity follows the arrival of numerous soldiers in Minembwe from Baraka and Uvira. These reinforcements aim to secure the region amid fears that it could be seized by Twirwaneho, a self-defense group accused of collaborating with M23 movement. M23 recently captured Goma and is allegedly advancing toward Bukavu.
FARDC’s recent operations, carried out alongside FDLR and Maï-Maï militias, have reportedly involved attacks on Banyamulenge villages. Tensions with Twirwaneho have escalated as FARDC accuses the group of opposing government forces—allegations Twirwaneho denies.
Twirwaneho emerged as a community defense force to protect the Banyamulenge people from attacks by Maï-Maï militias, who allegedly received support from FARDC to displace the community and seize their cattle.
The Banyamulenge-dominated Minembwe Commune falls under the jurisdiction of the 21st Brigade, headquartered in Minembwe Center, with regiments stationed in Gakenke and Lundu.
Heightened security measures have also been reported at Kavumu Airport near Bukavu, where FARDC has fortified positions. Lt. Gen. Pacifique Masunzu is reportedly stationed there as M23 movement close in, now just 25 kilometers from the strategic airport.
