South Kivu : the M23 offensive and pro-government drones shake the entire eastern Congo

SOS Médias Burundi

Bukavu, November 21, 2025 – As drones attributed to the FARDC and the Burundian army strike Mikenge and Rwisankuku, the M23 and its allies continue their spectacular advance, reshaping the security landscape of the Kivus week after week. Between bombings near camps for displaced persons and the capture of new territories, eastern DRC is sinking into a spiral of instability.

Drones attributed to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB) targeted the towns of Mikenge and Rwisankuku, in the Mwenga territory of South Kivu, on Friday. Several homes were destroyed, but no deaths have been reported, according to local sources.

Drones launched near a camp for displaced people

In Mikenge, witnesses say a drone was launched near a camp for internally displaced people from the Banyamulenge community. The drone reportedly exploded not far from the site, causing material damage but no casualties.

According to the same sources, a second drone struck the Rwisankuku area. A third drone was reportedly seen in the neighboring Walungu territory.

Houses destroyed at “Point Zero”

The bombings reportedly destroyed several houses occupied by members of the Babembe community, who live in an area known locally as Point Zero. No deaths have been reported so far.

Residents say several drones have been seen in the region over the past week, particularly around Mikenge and Rwisankuku.

Rising tensions in the highlands

These strikes come amid escalating military operations in the South Kivu highlands. According to the civil society in Minembwe, troop movements have been observed from Mikalati, Mulima, Point Zero, Kipupu, and Rugezi, while offensives are reportedly being prepared involving the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo), Wazalendo militias supported by Kinshasa, and Burundian soldiers.

The FDNB (Burundi National Defense Force) has deployed approximately 10,000 soldiers in eastern DRC to support the FARDC, according to several local and security sources.

M23 advance in South Kivu

In this province, the M23 receives support from the armed group Twirwaneho, composed of members of the Banyamulenge community. This group is believed to have contributed to the M23’s advance, particularly with the recent capture of the Shabunda territory, according to civilian sources.

The M23, a former Tutsi rebellion that resumed hostilities in late 2021, accuses Congolese authorities of failing to honor commitments related to their reintegration. The movement is affiliated with the Congo River Alliance (AFC), a politico-military platform opposed to Kinshasa.

The M23-AFC coalition has controlled the capitals of North and South Kivu, as well as several strategic mineral-rich areas, since the beginning of the year.

Persistent accusations against Rwanda

United Nations experts and the Congolese government accuse Rwanda of having deployed nearly 4,000 troops in support of the M23 in the two Kivus. Kigali rejects these accusations and maintains that it is not involved in the fighting.