August 28, 2025; Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again at the center of global concern after a series of coordinated drone and artillery strikes left Banyamulenge villages devastated, prompting accusations of state-backed ethnic cleansing.
According to local reports, the first strike occurred at 1:00 a.m. Thursday in the village of Rugezi, south of Minembwe. A health facility was directly targeted, killing civilians. Witnesses allege that the operation was carried out by foreign mercenaries contracted by Kinshasa to provide technological support to a coalition including the Congolese army (FARDC), Burundian forces, the FDLR militia, and Mai-Mai Wazalendo fighters led by William Amuri Yakutumba.
Prior to the strikes, telecommunications were deliberately shut down across Minembwe, leaving residents in a blackout. By morning, coordinated offensives had also hit Mikenge and Kahololo villages, with credible reports indicating that orders from Kinshasa instructed troops to target all Banyamulenge settlements in the area.
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AFC/M23 Raises Alarm Over «Ethnic Cleansing»
In a statement, Kanyuka, spokesperson for the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), said coalition forces have been “relentlessly bombarding densely populated areas” in Minembwe and Kalehe since August 27. He accused the government of using CH-4 combat drones, kamikaze drones, and heavy artillery against civilian zones, warning that the attacks are ongoing.
Diaspora Leader Speaks Out
Speaking by phone to AfroVera.com, CEO-Officer Jean de Dieu and Ambassador of Peace for the Banyamulenge community in Australia, denounced the violence as deliberate and systematic.
«We denounce the killings orchestrated by the Kinshasa government. What is happening is not just conflict it is ethnic cleansing against the Banyamulenge. »
«The international community cannot remain silent while civilians are bombed with drones and heavy artillery. We urgently call on the United Nations to intervene before thousands more lives are lost. »
«We ask the International Criminal Court to open immediate investigations into these atrocities and hold the perpetrators accountable for crimes against humanity. »
«The African Union and the East African Community must step in. If they fail to act now, history will remember that they abandoned an entire people to extermination. »
Peace Efforts Undermined
The violence comes despite ongoing peace talks in Doha, with critics warning that the government of President Félix Tshisekedi has chosen a path of war rather than dialogue. Analysts say the use of foreign mercenaries, cross-border forces, and militia groups further undermines regional stability.
Call for Urgent International Action
The MRDP–Twirwaneho movement, alongside AFC/M23, has pledged to defend Banyamulenge civilians, but both emphasize that lasting protection can only come from international intervention.
Human rights observers are urging the UN Security Council, the ICC, the African Union, and the East African Community to respond decisively, warning that failure to act risks enabling mass atrocities and crimes against humanity.
«The world is called upon today: act before it is too late. »
