The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have rejected accusations made by the MRDP-Twirwaneho armed group, which operates in the Fizi Highlands, alleging that elements of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) trained in Burundi have crossed into Congolese territory to carry out targeted massacres against the Banyamulenge population.
In a statement issued on July 26, FARDC spokesperson Major General Sylvain Ekenge described the allegations as “unfounded” and a calculated attempt to mislead public opinion and undermine ongoing peace initiatives, particularly those supported by the Washington and Doha processes.
“These claims are nothing more than a strategy to manipulate communities and derail the progress made in restoring stability in the region,” Ekenge stated, accusing Twirwaneho of spreading false narratives to inflame tensions.
While dismissing the accusations, the Congolese army asserted that it has gathered intelligence on a separate plot involving Twirwaneho and Red Tabara, another armed group active in the region. According to the statement, the groups are allegedly planning a large-scale massacre in Minembwe, South Kivu, with the intention of sparking international outrage and blaming the Congolese and Burundian governments.
The FARDC condemned what it called the “criminal intentions” of these armed groups, warning that such actions are designed to “torpedo the efforts of national and regional stakeholders who are working to restore peace in eastern DRC.”
The statement reaffirmed the army’s commitment to countering all destabilizing activities by armed groups in the region, while continuing to support national and international peacebuilding efforts aimed at ending decades of violence in eastern Congo.
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