The Banyamulenge self-defense group, Twirwaneho, has seized control of Minembwe’ s town center and its airstrip after driving out government forces that had launched attacks on their villages.
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On the morning of Friday, February 21, 2025, a coalition of the Congolese army, including FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo forces, launched heavy assaults on Banyamulenge communities near Runundu. The attackers used heavy artillery, shelling villages such as Basegege, 8ème Cepac, Mutanoga, and other surrounding areas.
In response, the Banyamulenge fighters fiercely resisted, ultimately overpowering the coalition forces. According to Minembwe.com, by around 1:00 PM, Twirwaneho had successfully taken over the headquarters of the 21st brigade, forcing FARDC and its allies to flee. The brigade headquarters, located near the local community radio station “Tuungane Minembwe,” was a significant stronghold for government forces.
This victory came after Twirwaneho had already captured Minembwe’ s town center and its airstrip in Kiziba. Video footage shows Twirwaneho fighters celebrating their triumph, expressing gratitude to God for their success. The group also seized powerful weaponry and a large stockpile of ammunition, as evidenced in the footage.
Minembwe, now under Twirwaneho’ s control, is an important commercial hub known primarily for cattle trading and other small livestock businesses. Besides securing the town center and airstrip, Twirwaneho also took control of the region’s main hospital.
This event is considered historic, as government forces and Wazalendo fighters had long terrorized the region, committing widespread atrocities against the Banyamulenge population. Since the outbreak of conflict in 2017, Twirwaneho had never managed to fully capture Minembwe’ s center, previously only maintaining control over its outskirts.
While the group briefly seized Minembwe’ s airstrip last week, they later withdrew. However, their latest victory marks a turning point. As Banyamulenge civilians continue to express gratitude, government forces are retreating towards Mulima, en route to Baraka and Uvira.
