The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) has reported intensified bombardments in the Rugezi area of Minembwe during the night of October 21–22, warning of preparations for a possible larges cale military offensive involving ground forces, aircraft and heavy artillery.
In a statement released on Thursday, October 22, the FRN alleged that forces aligned with the Kinshasa government carried out attacks in the densely populated Rugezi area using kamikaze drones and heavy artillery. The group said the bombardments were still ongoing at the time of its announcement.
The FRN further claimed that the Kinshasa government was reinforcing its military presence in Luvungi and Lubarika as part of preparations for a potential offensive. According to the statement, Burundian troops were also crossing the Ruzizi River toward the Ruzizi Plain to join other forces assembled at an established military headquarters. The group additionally alleged that foreign mercenaries were involved in the military buildup.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the statement did not provide further details on casualties, damage to civilian property or the number of troops reportedly involved.
Despite what it described as repeated ceasefire violations and breaches of international conventions, the FRN said it remained committed to protecting civilians and safeguarding their property.
The group added that its forces had been mobilized to take measures aimed at protecting residents and establishing a security perimeter to prevent threats to civilians and their belongings.
The reported developments add to concerns over the security situation in the Minembwe region, where renewed fighting could pose further risks to civilians. The situation remains unclear, and independent confirmation of the reported attacks and military movements is still needed.
