New reports from the hills of Mulenge in South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), indicate that the national army (FARDC) has once again used unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in attacks targeting Banyamulenge civilians, heightening fear and distress among local residents.
On the morning of Friday, December 19, 2025, government drones reportedly fired two explosive devices in the Rwitsankuku area, near what is known as the Mikenke center, just a few kilometers from Minembwe.
A resident of the area said:
“As we speak, FARDC drones have already dropped two bombs in Rwitsankuku. This has caused extreme fear among the population.”
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Although FARDC authorities have not officially commented on the consequences of these strikes, local residents report that their agricultural activities have been destroyed, and their daily lives have been severely disrupted. The drones continued to hover over the skies of Rwitsankuku and Mikenke, causing severe psychological trauma among children, women, and the elderly.
These are not the first attacks in the area. In recent days, similar drone strikes have targeted Rwitsankuku, Mikenke, and Rugezi, raising concerns about civilian safety and the enforcement of international humanitarian laws protecting non-combatants during conflicts.
Some security analysts warn that deploying drones in densely populated areas can have serious consequences, including disrupting civilian livelihoods, destroying food sources and crops, and intensifying the conflict.
The international human rights organization, Human Rights Watch (HRW), has called for an independent investigation into the use of drones, aimed at protecting civilian lives and preventing the region from descending further into violence.
“Using military equipment in areas inhabited by civilians constitutes a serious offense with long-lasting consequences. An independent investigation is needed to uncover the truth and determine ways to protect civilians,” HRW stated in a recent press release.
Banyamulenge residents continue to appeal to the international community, calling for their voices to be heard before the impact of these attacks worsens. Many report extreme fear, with some hiding in forests or fields, further disrupting their daily lives.
DRC security forces, FARDC, have stated that the aim of these strikes is to counter armed group activities in the Mulenge hills. However, reports from residents and eyewitnesses indicate that civilians are the primary victims of these operations.
Analysts note that while drones offer military advantages, such as reducing the risk to troops tasked with fighting armed groups, they have severe consequences for civilian populations.
Throughout 2025, the United Nations and other human rights organizations have repeatedly called for investigations into drone use, especially in South Kivu’s hills, where residents remain on edge due to ongoing conflict. To date, no substantial responses have been provided at either the national or international level.
Residents report that their daily lives are dominated by fear. Children are losing focus in school, women fear venturing into their fields, and parents struggle to maintain hope for the future.
The insecurity in the Mulenge hills affects not only households but also local agriculture and the regional economy. Crops destroyed by drone strikes have significantly decreased production, threatening food security.
There are concerns that continued drone attacks could drive more residents to flee, creating a potential refugee crisis in the Great Lakes region.
As anxiety grows among Banyamulenge residents, local authorities and international actors have been urged to provide accurate information on military operations to implement effective civilian protection measures. Calls have also been made for targeted strategies to counter armed groups without harming non-combatants.
The Banyamulenge community has long been affected by violence and atrocities in the hills. FARDC’s drone attacks have intensified their suffering, prompting urgent appeals to the international community for immediate assistance and humanitarian relief.
The number of civilians traumatized by these strikes continues to rise daily, with no evidence that abuses against non-combatants are being addressed.
According to reliable reports, security in the Mulenge hills remains a serious concern, and FARDC drone attacks continue to heighten fear and trauma among residents. Banyamulenge civilians continue to appeal to the international community, demanding swift measures to ensure their safety.
