Goma, DRC — AFC/M23 deputy coordinator Bertrand Bisiimwa condemned what he called a "humanitarian blockade" imposed by Congolese government forces on Minembwe, South Kivu, just one day after renewed peace talks between the two sides resumed in Doha on February 2, 2026. In a post on X on Monday, Bisiimwa accused Kinshasa of "taking advantage of our withdrawal from Uvira" to carry out "selective massacres" in Minembwe. The rebel leader denounced what he described as "cynicism and bad faith" by the Congolese government. Minembwe, a group of villages in the highlands of Fizi Territory, is mainly h

Goma, DRC — AFC/M23 deputy coordinator Bertrand Bisiimwa condemned what he called a "humanitarian blockade" imposed by Congolese government forces on Minembwe, South Kivu, just one day after renewed peace talks between the two sides resumed in Doha on February 2, 2026.

In a post on X on Monday, Bisiimwa accused Kinshasa of "taking advantage of our withdrawal from Uvira" to carry out "selective massacres" in Minembwe. The rebel leader denounced what he described as "cynicism and bad faith" by the Congolese government.

Minembwe, a group of villages in the highlands of Fizi Territory, is mainly home to the Banyamulenge community and has been at the center of intense fighting in recent days. Radio Okapi reported violent clashes between Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and a coalition of rebel groups including AFC/M23, Twirwaneho, RED Tabara, and Gumino.

The accusations come amid Qatar-mediated peace negotiations in Doha, where the Congolese government and M23 rebels are attempting to resolve the long-running conflict that has displaced millions and killed tens of thousands. The two sides signed a framework agreement in November 2025, though fighting has continued on the ground despite multiple ceasefire commitments.

M23 had previously stated that ending the blockade on Minembwe was one of their main objectives when they captured Uvira in December 2025. Bisiimwa told media outlets the goal was "to create better living conditions for everyone, end the massacres, lift the blockade around Minembwe, and allow the people of Minembwe to breathe and live again."

The humanitarian situation in Minembwe has been dire, with communities protesting in November 2025 against what they described as a blockade leaving thousands without access to food, medicine, and essential supplies.

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