The security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is deepening, with renewed clashes in the highlands of Mulenge placing thousands of civilians at extreme risk. Despite a formally announced ceasefire, heavy fighting in Minembwe and surrounding areas of South Kivu continues to devastate communities, destroy infrastructure, and force families into displacement.
Over recent weeks, the humanitarian toll has grown steadily. Homes have been damaged, farmland destroyed, and local businesses disrupted, worsening an already fragile economic situation. Vulnerable civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, remain the most affected as violence spreads across rural villages.
Serivisi za Digital za Afrovera
Dufasha business n’imishinga kugaragara online bin yuze muri serivisi za digital zinoze kandi ku giciro gito cyane.
- ✔ Gukora Website za business & companies
- ✔ Posters & Graphic Design
- ✔ Website Hosting & Domain
- ✔ Gufungura YouTube Channels za business
Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the region have repeatedly called for urgent international intervention. Residents express fear for their safety and uncertainty about their children’s future. While global human rights organizations have issued statements of concern, many locals say tangible protection and concrete action remain absent on the ground.
On February 20, 2026, former DRC Vice President Azarias Ruberwa released a strong statement highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Mulenge. He emphasized that although a ceasefire had been announced through Angolan mediation and backed by the United States, military operations appear to have intensified rather than subsided.
According to reports from local sources, the Congolese national army (FARDC) has deployed extensive drone operations in Minembwe and nearby villages such as Muriza, Gakenke, and Karongi. Military representatives claim more than 30 drones were used in recent operations. Local accounts indicate that the strikes have impacted farmland and civilian property, raising serious concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law.
Observers now question the credibility and enforcement of the ceasefire agreement. If hostilities persist at this scale, confidence in regional mediation efforts may erode further, complicating diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
Security analysts argue that lasting peace in eastern DRC will require inclusive political dialogue, stronger regional cooperation, and meaningful guarantees for civilian protection. Without these measures, communities in South Kivu risk remaining trapped in cycles of violence that have defined the region for decades.
As gunfire echoes across the hills and drones circle overhead, residents of Minembwe continue to live under constant fear. Yet even amid uncertainty and displacement, many hold onto hope that international attention and decisive leadership can eventually restore stability and peace to eastern Congo.
