On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the strategic and mineral-rich region of Rugezi, located in the southern outskirts of Minembwe Commune, was successfully seized by a joint military operation of Twirwaneho and M23, operating under the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) coalition.
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This area is notably endowed with significant natural wealth, including abundant deposits of gold, coltan, cobalt, and other valuable minerals. Mining activities in Rugezi are particularly concentrated in Rudabadaba and Micikacika, as well as in Bwishoshi, Bengeziza, Gahira, Bikarakara, and Bahati-yaimbwa.
The capture of Rugezi followed intense clashes between Twirwaneho-M23 forces and a coalition of the Congolese National Army (FARDC), Burundi’s National Defence Forces (FDNB), and armed militias affiliated with Wazalendo and the FDLR. This area had long been a stronghold of rebel groups, including FDLR units under the leadership of Colonel Ngomanzito.
Rugezi lies near the key mining area of Bovu, situated in Gitumba, which is known for its rich diamond, gold, coltan, and copper reserves. Historically, between 2017 and 2021, Rugezi was home to a large Banyamulenge population. It featured two major localities—one led by Chief Sabune and the other by Budamu—and comprised ten residential hamlets. The Sabune locality included a health center and a hospital built by Ugeafi, serving approximately 12 families.
Other notable hamlets in the area included those of Didas, Budamu, Abadinzi, Abavusha, Abagorora, Timbyangoma, Nyamurombwe, Gakangala, and Muliza—many of which are in close proximity to the Minembwe Commune center.
Following the liberation, Twirwaneho and M23 forces have reportedly continued their advance, pushing the Congolese coalition forces toward Milimba, widely considered the central base of FDLR and Wazalendo operations.
Should Twirwaneho and M23 gain control over Milimba, it would signify a major strategic defeat for Wazalendo and its allies, given Milimba’s role as a key operational hub in their resistance against the Banyamulenge community.
