On Monday, June 8, 2026, Colonel Rugabo Fidèle, a senior commander in the Twirwaneho militia, explained how his forces, alongside AFC/M23, regained control of Mikenke in South Kivu after three months under government-aligned troops.
According to Rugabo, the battle began when FARDC (Congolese army), supported by Burundian forces, mercenaries, and allied militias including FDLR, Mai-Mai, P5, Hiboux special forces, and GR units launched coordinated attacks using drones and ground troops.
Brigadier General Charles Sematama, leading Twirwaneho in the highlands, ordered a counteroffensive. Rugabo described their strategy as surrounding enemy positions from multiple directions, Rurunda, Dohoko, Kalingi, and Etavi,splitting them into two groups. One fled toward Gipupu, while another retreated to Antène before being forced further into areas like Rwitsankuku, Mikarati, and nearby forests.
Rugabo emphasized that Twirwaneho would not stand by while government forces attacked civilians “The day will come when Minembwe is remembered not for longing, but for bloodshed. They will not relive that again.”
This episode highlights the volatile dynamics of eastern Congo, where alliances shift and multiple armed groups—including foreign forces clash over territory, often at the expense of local populations.