The Twirwaneho, a deadly militant group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), has formed an official coalition with the M23 rebels following the death of its leader in a drone strike by the country’s army.
Michel Rukundo, the former DR Congo army colonel and leader of the Twirwaneho group, was killed in Minembwe, situated in the Fizi territory of South Kivu.
The Twirwaneho militia group is mostly composed of Banyamulenge, a community in South Kivu that is not culturally and socially distinct from the Tutsi. Most Banyamulenge speak Kinyamulenge, a mix of Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Ha, and Swahili. The group also supports the Burundian rebel group, the Red Tabara, which is also supported by Rwanda.
While the M23 rebels have advanced in South Kivu and captured localities in Walungu territory, Twirwaneho has announced that it now controls Minembwe in Fizi territory.
“We announce that as of today, Minembwe and its environs have been liberated from several armed forces that have subjugated, humiliated and brought bereavement that reduced it to the simplest expression,” the armed group noted in a statement, adding that “all Minembwe is effectively controlled by Twirwaneho”.
Twirwaneho has launched a fierce offensive 28 kilometres from Minembwe, specifically targeting Mikenge village in the Itombwe sector of Mwenga territory. Locals confirm that Mikenge has fallen to Twirwaneho following intense clashes between the armed group and the DR Congo army on Feb. 25 and 26.
The Twirwaneho militia group in the Democratic Republic of Congo has allied with the M23 rebels after the death of their leader, Michel Rukundo, who was killed by a drone strike from the DR Congo army in Minembwe, South Kivu.
Twirwaneho, mainly composed of Banyamulenge people, has expressed control over Minembwe, claiming it has been liberated from oppressive forces.
The group, which supports the Burundian rebel group Red Tabara, also continues its offensive, capturing Mikenge village in intense clashes with the DR Congo army.