According to consistent reports reaching our newsroom, significant Burundian troops are currently being deployed to several strategic areas in South Kivu Province, notably Luvungi, Luberizi, Uvira, and Kiliba.
These movements, reported notably by Makora Kimbumbu Bin Sultan Mandela, head of the Itara Luvungi grouping, are part of an offensive strategy. The stated objective of this deployment is to launch targeted assaults against the positions of the AFC-M23/Twirwaneho. The forces involved reportedly aim to advance first toward Kamanyola before potentially pushing on to the city of Bukavu via the heights of Uvira.
Meanwhile, concordant sources indicate the formulation of a tripartite military project involving Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The primary objective of this plan is to retake control of the Minembwe region.
Along the Burundian border, particularly in the provinces of Kayanza, Kirundo, and Cibitoke, major military reinforcement movements have been observed for several days. The deployment of heavy equipment and modern military technology, including surveillance and attack drones, underscores the intent to escalate operations in the sub-region.
Massive Bombardments This Thursday, August 20, 2026
This escalation materialized on the ground on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Beginning at 6:45 AM, a heterogeneous coalition comprising the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC), the FDLR, Wazalendo militias, foreign mercenaries, and the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB) launched a series of intensive bombardments. The densely populated villages of Rugezi, Nyaruhinga, and Mukoko, located along the Minembwe axis, were targeted using heavy weapons, including 82 mm mortars, kamikaze drones, and KT-6 equipment.
Shortly before, starting at 5:30 AM on the same Thursday, August 20, 2026, these same coalition forces launched simultaneous, large-scale attacks against the densely populated areas of Luntukulu and Luhago in Walungu Territory.
“This extermination campaign carried out daily against civilian populations, with the political, diplomatic, and material support of certain states and private military companies, cannot be trivialized or tolerated. Lawrence Kanyuka, Spokesperson for the AFC/M23”
These clashes and indiscriminate strikes directly impact densely populated areas, causing heavy loss of life and significant material damage. Local infrastructure and civilian property have been severely affected by these destructive operations.
trajectory of protracted war in eastern DRC, Burundi is pursuing deep-seated political, economic, and ideological interests. This strategic and military alliance is consolidating on the ground day by day, notwithstanding the dramatic humanitarian toll paid by innocent civilians who are massacred and displaced daily.
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