In the troubled South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, bloody clashes have once again shaken the population. At the heart of this violence, the Makanika-Red Tabara coalition opposed the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), leaving behind a tragic toll of 33 people killed, including 31 members of the rebel coalition and 2 FARDC soldiers.
The recent fighting took place over two intense days, from 25 to 26 December 2024, in the Minembwe region and its surroundings, located in the Fizi territory. Tensions crystallized on strategic positions, including the Kiziba airfield in Minembwe, which the Makanika-Red Tabara coalition reportedly tried to capture. The FARDC reported that this attempt was aimed at establishing a link with Rwanda to facilitate the supply of arms and ammunition, with the aim of opening an AFC-M23 front in the South Kivu region.
Lieutenant Elongo Kyondwa Marc, spokesperson for Operation Sukola 2 South South Kivu, reported a total of 33 deaths, including 2 FARDC soldiers and 31 members of the rebel coalition. He highlighted the resilience of the Congolese armed forces and their ability to repel enemy attacks, despite the violence of the clashes.
The FARDC also denounced a “Machiavellian plan” hatched by certain actors of local civil society, inciting the population to rebel against the regular army. This situation testifies to the complexity of the conflict raging in the region, highlighting the geopolitical issues and divergent interests that fuel tensions.
Faced with this escalation of violence, the Congolese authorities have reinforced the military presence in the villages and localities of the high and middle plateaus of Uvira, Fizi and Itombwe, in order to counter any attempt at liaison between rebel groups and coalitions active in the region.
The situation in South Kivu remains worrying, symbolizing the security and humanitarian challenges facing the DRC. Faced with this recurring violence, it is imperative to promote dialogue and the search for peaceful solutions to guarantee the security and stability of the local population.