The AFC/M23 coalition has announced sweeping changes within its military and intelligence command structure at a time when renewed fighting is intensifying across the Minembwe and Mulenge highlands of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The leadership reshuffle, which prominently elevates several Twirwaneho commanders into key positions, is being interpreted by observers as a major step toward deeper military coordination between AFC/M23 and MRDP-Twirwaneho.
Among the most significant appointments is that of Colonel Kamasa Ndakize Welcome, formerly known as the spokesperson of Twirwaneho, who has now been named head of intelligence for AFC/M23.
He replaces Colonel John Imani Nzenze, who has reportedly been redeployed to Walikale Territory, an area considered strategically important because of its mineral wealth and military significance.
Additional changes affected several military divisions within the coalition. The First Division covering Lubero, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo is now led by Gen. de Brigade Boduin Ngaruye, while the Masisi-based Second Division has been assigned to Gen. de Brigade Justin Gacheri Musanga. The Third Division will operate under Gen. de Brigade Byamungu.
In another notable development, Gen. de Brigade Charles Sematama of Twirwaneho has officially been placed in charge of South Kivu and Minembwe operations, reinforcing the growing alliance between the two movements.
Security analysts believe the restructuring is intended to create a more unified intelligence and operational network stretching from North Kivu into South Kivu, especially as the conflict becomes increasingly complex.
The changes are also seen as an attempt to strengthen counter-intelligence capabilities following reports of drone surveillance and aerial strikes allegedly targeting senior AFC/M23 commanders.
The restructuring follows the coalition’s “Uongozi Bora” leadership program held in April 2026, an initiative aimed at modernizing command systems and reforming internal governance structures.
At the same time, violence has sharply escalated in Minembwe and surrounding areas.
On May 13, 2026, coalition forces aligned with the Kinshasa government reportedly launched attacks on Kalingi, Bidegu, and nearby villages using heavy artillery, ground troops, and KT-6 kamikaze drones.
In a statement, AFC/M23 accused the government coalition of targeting civilians, saying the attacks caused deaths, mass displacement, and destruction of homes and property.
The movement also accused Kinshasa of violating previous commitments and continuing military operations under what it described as international silence.
A day later, on May 14, further clashes erupted in Kalingi, Gakenke, Bidegu, and Rugezi. AFC/M23 claimed the attacks involved Sukhoi-25 fighter jets, heavy weapons, and additional drone deployments.
The coalition further alleged that CH-4 surveillance drones were observed monitoring populated areas in Masisi, Rutshuru, and Kalehe, raising fears that military operations could soon expand into other territories.
Residents in the Mulenge highlands say the offensive involved FARDC troops supported by Burundian forces, Wazalendo militias, and FDLR fighters targeting villages inhabited by Banyamulenge civilians.
Sources from the area reported that MRDP-Twirwaneho fighters intervened to defend residents, with some reports indicating that government-allied forces were pushed back in certain areas.
The renewed violence has deepened fears among Banyamulenge communities, many of whom say they have endured years of insecurity, displacement, cattle raids, and ethnic tensions.
For more than a decade, conflict in the region has devastated local livelihoods. Thousands of families have reportedly fled their homes, while livestock, considered the backbone of the local economy, has been heavily affected by looting and violence.
Some residents accuse elements within FARDC, Wazalendo groups, and FDLR fighters of participating in cattle theft, allegations those groups have repeatedly denied.
The government of President Félix Tshisekedi maintains that military operations are aimed at restoring state authority and dismantling armed groups operating in eastern Congo.
However, critics and groups sympathetic to Banyamulenge civilians argue that repeated offensives continue to place local populations at enormous risk. As clashes continue across Minembwe and Mulenge, human rights organizations are once again calling for political dialogue and a lasting peace process capable of addressing the deeper causes of instability in eastern Congo.
