Fresh fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to a significant shift on the battlefield after MRDP-Twirwaneho announced that its forces had taken control of the localities of Mikenke and Bilalombili in South Kivu Province.
The announcement was made by MRDP-Twirwaneho spokesperson Col. Rugabo Fidel through a message posted on X, where he declared: “MRDP-Twirwaneho liberated Mikenke and Bilalimbili.”
According to information emerging from the area, the two localities are situated in the Itombwe sector of Mwenga Territory, a region that has witnessed recurring clashes between armed groups and government-backed forces over the years.
Reports indicate that fighting began early Wednesday morning and spread across several areas of Mwenga. The clashes reportedly involved MRDP-Twirwaneho on one side and a coalition composed of the Congolese army (FARDC), FDLR elements, Wazalendo fighters and Burundian troops on the other.
Sources familiar with developments in the region say Mikenke and Bilalombili had previously been under the control of that coalition. Following the fighting, however, government-aligned forces are said to have withdrawn from the two localities and repositioned toward other areas including Rwitsankuku, Point Zero and Gipupu.
Residents contacted from the area have also reported a change in control, stating that MRDP-Twirwaneho is now present in both localities.
The reported capture of Mikenke and Bilalombili could alter the military dynamics in Mwenga Territory, particularly in the Itombwe sector, which remains strategically important because of its geography and its role in connecting several parts of South Kivu.
Security analysts note that territorial gains in eastern Congo often have broader implications, influencing military operations, supply routes and the balance of power among the numerous armed actors operating in the region.
At the time of publication, neither Congolese authorities, Burundian officials nor independent monitoring bodies had issued a formal statement confirming or disputing MRDP-Twirwaneho’s claims.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that hostilities continue in parts of Mwenga, leaving local communities caught between rival forces. Civilians in the region have endured years of insecurity, displacement and humanitarian challenges linked to the prolonged conflict in eastern Congo.
The latest developments once again highlight the fragile security situation in South Kivu, where competing armed groups and military forces continue to battle for influence and territorial control, creating uncertainty for thousands of residents across the province.
