Minembwe, 6 July 2026 — The armed factions Twirwaneho and the M23/AFC-M23, part of the politico-military coalition Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC-M23), have declared control over the strategic position of Point Zéro in the Itombwe sector of Mwenga territory, South-Kivu. According to their statements, this base served as one of the main strongholds for the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), the Burundian National Defence Force (FDNB), and the pro-government Wazalendo militias in the highlands—a region plagued by persistent fighting for months. No official response has been issued at the time of reporting.
The claim was confirmed in a communiqué signed by Fidèle Rugabo, military spokesperson for Twirwaneho, who stated that an offensive was launched on Saturday, 4 July against Point Zéro, culminating in its capture after several hours of intense clashes.
The statement declared, « Point Zéro is now under our control », adding that Congolese troops, Burundian soldiers, and Wazalendo militias had abandoned their positions.
Local sources report heavy fighting in surrounding areas, particularly along routes connecting Mikenge, Kalongi, and Rubemba. Residents in Minembwe describe living in a state of constant tension, with many hoping the fall of Point Zéro could ease the violence.
« We’ve endured months of relentless combat. If this base has truly fallen, perhaps the attacks will decrease in our area, » shared a local resident, seeking anonymity.
While unverified, reports suggest that FARDC and FDNB forces have withdrawn from multiple positions, including Point Zéro, Mikenge, Kalongi, Rubemba, and Kakenge, retreating toward Mutambala, Mukera, and the neighboring Fizi territory.
Point Zéro: a critical military outpost
The Point Zéro base, situated in the rugged Itombwe massif, is a pivotal military position controlling key routes linking Minembwe, Mikenge, Mwenga, and Fizi. This area has long been a flashpoint for territorial disputes among armed groups.
Since the M23/AFC-M23 withdrew from Uvira in January 2026, clashes in the highlands have intensified, drawing in the FARDC, FDNB, Wazalendo militias, and Twirwaneho—allied with the AFC-M23 coalition.
Burundi’s military presence under a bilateral agreement
The deployment of Burundian troops in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is governed by a bilateral security cooperation agreement between Gitega and Kinshasa.
Both governments have repeatedly acknowledged the existence of this pact, which permits the FDNB’s operations on Congolese soil.
According to a report from the Congolese Ministry of Interior and Security, over 29,000 Burundian soldiers were deployed in eastern DRC between August 2022 and December 2025. Initially tasked with combating Burundian armed groups like RED-Tabara, the FDNB now participates in joint operations with the FARDC against multiple active factions in the region.
Recent months have seen troop movements across Mwenga, Fizi, and Uvira, coinciding with a surge in hostilities between government forces and the two armed groups.
Regional rivalries and lingering instability
The conflict in eastern DRC remains intertwined with regional tensions. Kinshasa frequently accuses Kigali of backing the M23/AFC-M23, a claim Rwanda denies. Kigali, in turn, alleges that the FARDC collaborates with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group composed largely of former Hutu extremists linked to the 1994 genocide.
Burundi has also accused Rwanda of supporting anti-government armed factions in eastern DRC, while Kigali criticizes Gitega for its ties to the FDLR and other regional armed groups.
Diplomatic efforts fail to halt violence
The announcement follows the signing of accords in Washington on 27 June 2026, mediated by the United States, aimed at de-escalating tensions and outlining military disengagement in the region. Yet, fighting persists on the ground, particularly in South-Kivu’s highlands.
This area remains one of the most volatile in the Great Lakes region, where local rivalries, ethnic divisions, and geopolitical rivalries sustain a chronic and complex conflict. As of now, no official statements have been released by the FARDC, FDNB, or Burundian authorities regarding the factions’ claims.
