The conflict in the highlands of South Kivu has taken a dramatic turn after Twirwaneho fighters, operating alongside AFC/M23 forces, reportedly destroyed a tank belonging to the coalition supporting the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to information emerging from the battlefield, the armored vehicle was destroyed near Mulima in Fizi Territory while moving toward the strategic area known as Point-Zéro. The tank was reportedly heading to reinforce government-allied forces engaged in ongoing military operations in the Minembwe region.
Military observers following developments in South Kivu describe the incident as a significant battlefield setback for the coalition supporting Kinshasa. The loss of heavy armor could affect operational planning in an area where control of key positions remains fiercely contested.
Sources familiar with the fighting indicate that the tank belonged to the Burundian National Defence Force, whose troops have been deployed alongside Congolese government forces for nearly three years. Burundi’s military presence has formed part of a broader coalition that includes FARDC units, Wazalendo fighters, FDLR elements, and foreign mercenaries.
The latest developments come amid renewed fighting that intensified after government-allied forces launched operations aimed at advancing toward Minembwe, a region that holds particular importance for the Banyamulenge community living in South Kivu.
After advancing to within a few kilometers of Minembwe Centre, coalition forces reportedly encountered stiff resistance from Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 fighters. Subsequent clashes led to government troops being pushed back from several areas, including Ruhinamavi, Bidegu, Ilundu, Kalingi and Gakenke.
Fighting continued throughout the week, with reports indicating further withdrawals from Mikenke, Bilalomboli and Rwitsankuku. Analysts monitoring the situation believe Point-Zéro may become the next major battleground if current military trends continue.
The destruction of the tank has attracted additional attention because it is believed to be among the types of military equipment publicly showcased by Burundi during celebrations marking the country’s 64th Independence Day.
On July 1, 2026, Burundi organized a large military parade at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura attended by President Evariste Ndayishimiye, senior security officials, diplomats and thousands of citizens. The event highlighted the country’s growing military capabilities through the display of armored vehicles, tanks, military aircraft and heavy weaponry.
During the ceremony, Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza, spokesperson for the Burundian military, emphasized that the equipment on display was actively serving national defense purposes.
“These are already operational in different areas. They are part of the country’s defense system,” he said.
Baratuza also stressed that Burundian soldiers had received specialized training in several countries to effectively operate advanced military equipment.
Addressing air defense capabilities, he declared: “Our airspace is well protected. Those who rely on those birds will quickly learn the difference.”
The statement was widely interpreted as a reference to drones and modern aerial technologies increasingly used in contemporary warfare.
He further highlighted weapons capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute and discussed the BM-21 multiple rocket launcher system, describing it as one of the most powerful weapons available to the armed forces.
Seeking to underline the transformation of Burundi’s military capacity, Baratuza added: “Some people used to say Burundi did not have a strong army. Things have changed now.”
Only days after those declarations, reports from the South Kivu front suggest that one of the military assets associated with Burundi’s expanding arsenal has been lost in combat.
