The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have announced that they have regained control of Mikenge, a strategic locality in Minembwe, South Kivu Province, following intense clashes with the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels and their allies.
Fighting has been ongoing for several months between FARDC and its allied Wazalendo fighters on one side, and the M23/AFC rebels alongside the Twirwaneho coalition on the other. On Monday, June 8, 2026, M23/AFC forces captured Mikenge after fierce battles.
Mikenge is considered a strategic location as it serves as a key link connecting Bijombo to Mwenga, Kasika, and Bukavu, and Point Zéro toward Fizi, Baraka, and Tanganyika Province.
On Friday, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka issued a statement accusing FARDC and its allies of carrying out aerial bombardments in several parts of Minembwe between 10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. on June 12, 2026, using Sukhoi-25 fighter jets.Kanyuka alleged that the strikes caused civilian casualties and destroyed numerous homes, claiming that entire families were buried beneath the rubble. He condemned the attacks, saying no one should remain silent while innocent civilians are being killed.
However, on Saturday morning, FARDC Acting Spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay Mongba announced that government forces had recaptured Mikenge following what he described as intense fighting against the “RDF/AFC-M23 coalition” and their allies, Twirwaneho and Red Tabara.
According to Mongba, the retreating rebel forces destroyed several public and private infrastructures, systematically looted civilian property, and seized large numbers of livestock. He said these actions constituted serious violations of international humanitarian law and demonstrated what he described as the aggressor forces’ disregard for the civilian populations they claim to protect.
Mongba expressed solidarity with residents of the South Kivu Highlands and praised their resilience despite years of insecurity. He reaffirmed FARDC’s commitment to protecting civilians and restoring lasting peace in the region.
He also voiced concern that some local residents continue to be manipulated by the rebel groups and their allies, arguing that such collaboration prolongs the suffering of communities and undermines prospects for peace and development. By Saturday afternoon, M23/AFC had not issued any statement responding to FARDC’s announcement regarding the loss of Mikenge.
The renewed fighting has further dimmed hopes that ongoing peace talks between the conflicting parties will produce positive results. Both sides have continued to accuse each other of violating ceasefire agreements.
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellion, allegations that have consistently been denied by both the Rwandan government and M23/AFC leaders.M23/AFC maintains that its armed struggle for addressing corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination in DRC. In 2025, the group launched a rapid offensive across eastern DRC, capturing several strategic towns and heightening fears of a wider regional conflict-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
