The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) say rebel groups are sustaining significant losses as military operations to retake Minembwe, in South Kivu’s High Plateaus, enter their fifth consecutive day.

According to the army, fighting has intensified between FARDC units, supported by local Wazalendo fighters, and a coalition of armed groups including AFC/M23, Twirwaneho, RED Tabara, and Gumino, in what the military describes as a decisive phase of the offensive.

“The enemy is losing manpower.”

Speaking to Radio Okapi on Monday, February 2, Second Lieutenant Mbuyi Reagan, spokesperson for the Sukola South operations, said government forces are steadily advancing toward what he described as a key rebel stronghold.

“The fighting is progressing perfectly between us, the loyalist army, and the M23-AFC rebels supported by the Rwandan army, allied with Twirwaneho, Gumino, and RED Tabara,” he said.

“The final destination is Minembwe. Once this locality is bypassed, further operations can be organized. The enemy is losing manpower. We inflicted enormous losses, including yesterday when more than 35 fighters were neutralized.”

The FARDC considers Minembwe a strategic hub for Twirwaneho and its allies, making control of the town central to restoring state authority in the High Plateaus of Fizi territory.

Civilian protection claims amid urban risks

The army spokesman also accused rebel forces of indiscriminate bombardment in populated areas following their reported losses.

“Faced with these losses, they are dropping bombs indiscriminately into urban areas where the civilian population is located,” Reagan said.