Rwanda‑Backed M23 Cries Foul as FARDC Moves to Liberate Minembwe

As the Congolese army advances to liberate Minembwe, the Rwanda‑backed AFC/M23 coalition has launched a familiar propaganda campaign, accusing Kinshasa of atrocities while attempting to deflect attention from its own military setbacks and illegal presence on Congolese soil.

In a statement released after withdrawing from the city of Uvira, AFC/M23 claimed to be “concerned” about fighting in Minembwe and the surrounding highlands overlooking Uvira. The rebel group alleged that these areas have become heavily militarized by forces aligned with the Congolese government — an accusation that comes as FARDC intensifies operations to restore state authority in territories long occupied by armed groups.

AFC/M23 went as far as alleging that government‑aligned forces are carrying out campaigns against the Banyamulenge community, a claim repeatedly used by the group to justify rebellion and foreign interference. Congolese authorities have firmly rejected this narrative, describing it as a dangerous ethnic manipulation aimed at masking Rwanda’s proxy war.

South Kivu army spokesperson Sous‑Lieutenant Mbuyi Reagan confirmed that the Congolese army is conducting operations with a clear objective: the liberation of Minembwe.

“We are fully engaged in combat against the M23/AFC rebels supported by Rwanda, as well as allied armed groups such as Twirwaneho, Gumino, and RED‑Tabara,” he said. “Our objective is Minembwe. Once this area is secured, further stabilization operations will follow. The enemy is suffering heavy losses.”

Rebels Accuse as They Retreat

Despite claiming adherence to ceasefire agreements, AFC/M23 accused FARDC of launching airstrikes using Sukhoi‑25 fighter jets and drones, and of encircling Minembwe by cutting access routes. However, Congolese military sources say these claims are part of a disinformation strategy used whenever rebel forces are pushed back.

FARDC has countered by accusing AFC/M23 of indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas, particularly as the rebels lose ground.

“When they realize they are being defeated, they resort to firing blindly into populated areas,” said Sous‑Lieutenant Reagan. “The Congolese army does not fight among civilians. Our mission is to protect the population.”

The armed group Twirwaneho, which operates alongside M23 and has been repeatedly linked to Rwanda, is also actively involved in the clashes, further underscoring the coalition nature of the rebellion targeting Congolese sovereignty.

Background: Occupation, Pressure, and Withdrawal

Following intense fighting in the Rusizi Plain in January 2025, M23 rebels captured Uvira on February 10, before being forced to withdraw under intense international pressure, particularly from the United States, which brokered peace commitments between President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

Since their withdrawal, AFC/M23 has alleged attacks against Banyamulenge civilians — claims the Congolese government categorically denies, calling instead for the international community to focus on the root cause of the conflict: Rwanda’s support for armed groups operating inside the DRC.