The security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has taken another dramatic turn after MRDP-Twirwaneho announced that it had shot down two military helicopters belonging to the Congolese army, while AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa called on national security forces to rise against President Félix Tshisekedi.
The developments come as fighting intensifies across South Kivu, particularly around Minembwe and surrounding territories, where rival forces continue to battle for control amid growing political tensions at the national level.
According to senior MRDP-Twirwaneho official PC Mavugo, the two FARDC helicopters were targeted near the town of Baraka in Fizi Territory after returning from military operations conducted in Minembwe.
“MRDP Twirwaneho celebrated Independence Day after shooting down two FARDC helicopters in Baraka that were coming from Minembwe,” Mavugo stated.
Reports of the incident surfaced shortly after residents near Baraka Airport reported hearing a powerful explosion. Local sources suggested that a drone strike may have occurred in the area, although Congolese authorities had not immediately commented on the claims.
Additional reports indicated that a drone attack may also have targeted a Burundian military installation in Baraka. Burundian forces have been deployed in South Kivu to support FARDC operations against MRDP-Twirwaneho and the AFC/M23 coalition.
South Kivu has witnessed escalating violence in recent months as FARDC, together with Burundian troops, FDLR fighters, Wazalendo groups, the P5 coalition and foreign mercenaries, continue military campaigns against AFC/M23 and MRDP-Twirwaneho positions.
In mid-June 2026, a major offensive was launched toward Minembwe. MRDP-Twirwaneho claimed that the assault was repelled with support from AFC/M23 forces, preventing government-backed troops from taking control of the area.
Military observers note that Minembwe remains strategically important because of its location at the crossroads of Fizi, Uvira and Mwenga territories, making it a critical zone in the broader conflict unfolding in eastern Congo.
As military operations continue, both MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 maintain that they will continue defending their positions and protecting civilians whom they say are threatened by ongoing attacks.
The military developments coincided with a strong political message from AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa during events marking the 66th anniversary of Congo’s independence.
Nangaa argued that President Félix Tshisekedi has become the country’s central political obstacle and warned that lasting peace would remain out of reach as long as his administration stays in power.
Using a biblical comparison, Nangaa likened Tshisekedi to Jonah, saying Congo must remove the burden preventing the nation from reaching stability and progress.
“As we always say, let us get rid of Jonah so that the Congolese ship can finally reach its destination in peace. After seven years of darkness, suffering and dysfunction, nothing should prevent Congolese people from uniting around a common purpose,” he declared.
He further called on citizens from all sectors of society to mobilize against what he described as poor governance and to oppose any attempt to amend the Constitution.
“It is our responsibility to save the country, restore respect for the law, preserve social harmony, bring back freedom, justice and the confidence that Congolese citizens have long been denied. This noble struggle does not belong to AFC/M23 alone,” Nangaa said.
Addressing members of the armed forces and police, Nangaa accused the government of mistreating security personnel while favoring foreign forces and mercenaries.
“To Congolese soldiers and police officers who are humiliated every day, imprisoned for unclear reasons by a Commander-in-Chief who favors foreign troops and mercenaries, stop protecting a government that fights its own people and rise against it,” he stated.
Nangaa’s remarks highlight the widening political divide in Congo at a time when armed confrontations continue to intensify across the eastern provinces.
With battlefield clashes increasing and political rhetoric becoming more confrontational, civilians remain caught in the middle of a conflict that has destabilized eastern Congo for decades. International actors continue to face growing pressure to support efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable political and security solution for the region.
