Violent fighting between the government coalition and the Twirwaneho and M23 armed groups

SOS Médias Burundi

Bukavu, August 28, 2025 – Violent clashes continue in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC), supported by the Wazalendo militias supported by Kinshasa and the Burundian army, are fighting the Twirwaneho and M23 armed groups in several locations in the Fizi and Mwenga territories, in South Kivu province.

Hostilities began on Wednesday, August 27, in the areas of Rugezi (Fizi), Mwite, and Kangovu (Mwenga), before spreading on Thursday to Mikenge and Bilalo Mbili. This vast joint offensive targets strategic strongholds of the Twirwaneho/M23 coalition, which maintains a strong presence in the Hauts-Plateaux.

A conflict with regional and mining ramifications

The Twirwaneho group is dominated by members of the Banyamulenge community, while the M23—a former Tutsi rebel group that took up arms again in late 2021—accuses Kinshasa of failing to honor its reintegration commitments. Since then, it has strengthened its hold, controlling the provincial capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu, Goma and Bukavu respectively, as well as several other strategic mineral-rich areas. The M23 is now affiliated with the Congo River Alliance (AFC), a politico-military movement hostile to the Congolese government.

Fragile talks in Doha

These fightings come as negotiations are taking place in Qatar between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 coalition. However, the continuation of military operations calls into question the sincerity of the parties and jeopardizes the chances of a rapid de-escalation. Since the start of the talks, significant reinforcements have been deployed to the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga, fueling the escalation of hostilities.

Civilians caught in a vice

In Minembwe and Mikenge, the civilian population is the primary victim of this upsurge in violence. Residents denounce abuses and describe a disastrous humanitarian situation.

“There are no more medicaments in Minembwe, no more market, no more schools. Our children live in constant fear because of these wars unleashed by the Wazalendo and the FARDC,” said a resident, calling for urgent intervention from the international community.