East DRC – The humanitarian situation in Minembwe continues to deteriorate as reports emerge of increasing civilian casualties resulting from ongoing armed confrontations in the region. Local residents and community leaders have expressed growing concern over the impact of recent Kinshasa military operations on civilians, particularly women and children, who continue to bear the brunt of the violence. Families in affected areas describe living under constant fear, mourning loved ones while struggling to secure basic safety and stability amid an increasingly volatile security environment.
According to local reports, an aerial bombardment carried out by Kinshasa government on June 7, 2026, in the village of Ilundu/Basita caused significant civilian casualties and damage to community infrastructure. The attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of two civilians, identified as 19-year-old Prince Runezerwa Mahiyabo, who later died after being transported to a hospital, and Résor Kigeri Mazuru, who was killed at the scene. The incident also left several civilians injured, including young children and elderly residents.
Among those reported injured were seven-year-old Bajeneza Murontsi, a primary school student who suffered injuries to a hand, and twelve-year-old Nzabakiza Osée, who sustained severe wounds to the throat, hands, and leg. Other injured civilians included Nyasafari Chantal, 29, who suffered head injuries and wounds to multiple parts of her body; Nyamahoro Nyankamirwa, 54, who sustained injuries to both legs; Cubahiro Fataki, 18, who was reported to be in critical condition after being struck by multiple fragments; and Tito Murengera, 58, who was also injured during the incident. Local sources further indicated that another seriously wounded victim had not yet been formally identified at the time of reporting.
In addition to the human toll, the Kinshasa government bombardment reportedly damaged civilian infrastructure, including two classrooms at Ilundu Primary School. Community members described the destruction as a severe setback for children’s education in an area already struggling with the consequences of prolonged insecurity. The loss of educational facilities has further heightened concerns about the long-term impact of the conflict on local communities and future generations.
Search and rescue efforts have reportedly been complicated by continuing security concerns in the area. Local accounts indicate that several individuals remain unaccounted for, while rescue teams have faced difficulties accessing certain locations. Residents have also reported ongoing aerial surveillance activities, which they say have contributed to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among those attempting to locate missing relatives and assist the wounded.
The latest incident has intensified calls from community representatives, civil society groups, and humanitarian advocates for greater protection of civilians and stronger efforts to prevent further loss of life. They argue that the suffering experienced by residents of Minembwe should receive increased attention from regional and international stakeholders and that Kinshasa must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect noncombatants and civilian infrastructure.
As grief continues to spread through affected communities, families are left mourning loved ones while seeking answers about the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The events in Ilundu/Basita serve as another reminder of the devastating consequences armed conflict can have on ordinary civilians. With casualties continuing to be reported and many families displaced or living in fear, residents and observers alike are calling for renewed efforts toward dialogue, accountability, and a lasting peaceful resolution that can restore security and dignity to the people of Minembwe.
