The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army (FARDC) launched a targeted drone attack against Colonel Rukunda Michel, known as Makanika, the leader of the Twirwaneho group. However, the attack failed, according to local reports.
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The strike occurred around midday on February 19, 2025, in Gakangala, where Makanika was located.
According to sources, the FARDC carried out this operation in an attempt to eliminate Makanika, who continues to defend the Banyamulenge people against military persecution.
Drones were deployed in the attack but were ultimately destroyed by Twirwaneho forces. Minembwe.com reports that the drone originated from positions in Gahwela.
This assault was allegedly intended to weaken Twirwaneho, as the Kinshasa government suspects the group may be seeking an alliance with the M23 movement, which remains a major threat to President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration.
Colonel Makanika recently stated that he has no issue collaborating with M23 or any other group committed to ending injustices against civilians. He reaffirmed that whether it is M23 or any other movement, their shared objective is to protect civilians targeted due to their Tutsi ethnicity.
