The Twirwaneho armed group, which claims to protect Congolese citizens of Banyamulenge ethnicity, has issued a strong warning about massive attacks allegedly being prepared by the coalition of the Congolese army (FARDC), FDLR rebels, Wazalendo militias, and Burundian troops.
In a statement, the group accused this coalition of having encircled Banyamulenge civilians in Minembwe, establishing military positions in key areas, and preparing to launch ground and aerial attacks.
Twirwaneho claims that the national army is harassing and displacing Banyamulenge communities as part of what it describes as an orchestrated operation to forcefully expel them.
The group further alleges that Sukhoi warplanes and combat drones are being prepared in Kisangani (DRC) and Bujumbura (Burundi) to bomb their strongholds and target civilian villages, under the pretext of fighting “armed groups”.
The alleged coordinator of this plan is Lt. Gen. Pacifique Masunzu, reportedly working closely with senior Burundian military leaders, with Minembwe set to become the main base for launching joint attacks.
Twirwaneho warns that the offensive is not merely military, but rather a pre-meditated campaign of ethnic cleansing, with real risks of genocide.
The group concludes by stating that it will not stand by as Banyamulenge civilians face annihilation, and vows to take appropriate self-defense measures to protect them.
