The highlands of Minembwe in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, are facing a humanitarian and security catastrophe that has gone largely unnoticed by the international community.
Since January 2026, densely populated villages — including Kalingi, Rubemba, Rwitsankuku, Mutunda, Bidegu, and Gakenge — have been subjected to repeated bombardments by drones and mortars, directly targeting civilian areas.
The attacks are carried out by forces aligned with Kinshasa's coalition, including FARDC units and allied irregular militias. The civilian population, predominantly Banyamulenge, has no air defenses and no international protection mechanism in place. The death toll is mounting; the displacement is massive; the international response is absent.