In the fields of Rugezi, where recent clashes unfolded between the Congolese government’s FARDC forces and the Twirwaneho alliance alongside M23, numerous bodies of government-aligned soldiers have been discovered.
Local women, working in the fields over the past two days, revealed they came upon numerous corpses scattered across the farmlands in Rugezi, situated in Fizi Territory in South Kivu province, an area that has witnessed intense fighting.
One female resident recounted:
“Many women who went to farm early were shocked to find the bodies of FARDC soldiers strewn where they were cultivating.”
Another added:
“We woke up early, went to farm and suddenly came across seven bodies lying among the bushes. As we walked further, we saw another thirteen bodies nearby—terrifying.”
They also reported finding military uniforms, including those of FARDC, alongside heavy weaponry such as machine guns, Gatimba rifles, and numerous rounds spread across the fields.
Rugezi, located in the southwest of Minembwe Commune, was overtaken by the Twirwaneho–M23 alliance about two months ago. It has since become a focal point of assaults by government-fighting forces, with the most recent attack occurring last week.
Since that major strike, the government-aligned troops have not launched further offensives in Rugezi—raising suspicions they suffered heavy losses there, which may explain why they halted daily attacks.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that last Friday, Burundian forces deployed from Bujumbura into central Fizi around Cyohagati, reportedly mobilizing to launch operations against Twirwaneho and M23 positions in Mikenke.
