Burundian and DR Congo forces are reportedly preparing new attacks in Minembwe and surrounding areas, with the aim of driving out AFC/M23 and MRDP-Twirwaneho fighters who control the area.
It is reported that on August 16, 2026, the Deputy Commander of Burundi’s Ground Forces, Major General Elie Ndizigiye, known as “Muzinga,” travelled to Fizi Territory to oversee military operations.
Major General Muzinga is said to be leading Burundian troops involved in the conflict in eastern DRC, following the military cooperation agreement signed between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2022. He is considered an experienced commander in fighting AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho forces.
According to reports, Major General Muzinga is working with Brigadier General Fabien Dunia Kashindi, commander of the 33rd Military Region of the Congolese army, to plan new attacks on Minembwe and its surrounding areas.
In early July 2026, AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho reportedly seized several areas around Minembwe from Congolese and Burundian forces, as well as FDLR, Wazalendo fighters and mercenaries, including Point-Zéro.
The coalition has recently resumed attacks in parts of South Kivu, including Kalehe and Walungu territories, where it has engaged in heavy fighting with AFC/M23 fighters.
On August 17, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said that Congolese forces and allied armed groups had launched attacks in the highland areas of Fizi Territory, including Nyaruhinga and Mukoko, using 120 mm mortars and KT-6 drones.
Information about preparations for new attacks in Minembwe emerged following a visit by Burundi’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Prime Niyongabo, to Kinshasa in early August.
During the visit, which took place on August 7 and 8, Gen. Niyongabo, who was accompanied by six senior officers, met with officials from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). The meetings were reportedly focused on discussions about increasing the number of Burundian troops deployed on the battlefield.
Gen. Niyongabo travelled to Kinshasa at a time when FARDC military aircraft were continuing to deliver equipment to Bujumbura. Between August 5 and 7, three aircraft reportedly delivered supplies intended for soldiers operating in South Kivu.
Reliable sources within the security sector confirm that 12 military aircraft belonging to the DRC Armed Forces were granted permission to land at Bujumbura International Airport between July 23 and October 23.
Although signs point to renewed fighting, diplomatic efforts are also continuing. Since August 17, representatives of the DRC government and AFC/M23 have been engaged in talks in Switzerland, under the mediation of Qatar.
The issues being discussed in Switzerland have not yet been made public. However, they may include assessing progress in implementing the resolutions reached during talks held in Montreux, Switzerland, in April 2026.
In Montreux, the DRC government and AFC/M23 had agreed to respect a ceasefire, monitor its implementation, and release prisoners requested by either side. However, the attacks never fully stopped.
