URGENT ALERT: DRONE ATTACKS ON CIVILIAN INFRASTRUCTURE IN
MINEMBWE
South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo | March 26, 2026
BACKGROUND
The Action Pour le Developpement des Jeunes au Congo (ADJC) a humanitarian and development organizations
operating in the midlands and highlands of Uvira, Fizi, and Itombwe issues this urgent alert regarding repeated targeted
attacks on civilian infrastructure in Minembwe, Fizi Territory, South Kivu Province, DRC.
KEY INCIDENTS
• March 25, 2025 (~4:00 PM): Community radio station TUUNGANE (Madegu Centre) destroyed by FARDCattributed
drone strikes — its third destruction within one month.
• March 25, 2025 (night): Drone strikes on Kiziba village destroyed civilian homes and killed livestock — the
primary livelihood source for local communities.
• March 23, 2026 (night): The 5th CELPA Church in Ilundu destroyed, depriving the community of a vital spiritual
and social gathering space.
HUMANITARIAN CONTEXT
These attacks occur against the backdrop of a total humanitarian blockade lasting more than one year, severely
restricting access to assistance for civilian populations already suffering nearly nine years of violence. The prolonged
shutdown of Vodacom telecommunications for almost two months has further isolated communities and impeded
emergency response and documentation of violations. Victims include innocent children, women, and elderly people
who cannot access adequate medical care. Alleged perpetrators include FARDC, Burundi National Defense Forces
(FDNB), Wazalendo armed groups, and foreign mercenaries.
LEGAL CONCERNS
These attacks — targeting civilians far from active frontlines who pose no military threat — constitute serious violations
of international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction between civilians and combatants and the
protection of civilian property.
URGENT CALLS TO ACTION
• Publicly and unequivocally condemn attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure;
• Demand immediate cessation of drone strikes in populated areas;
• Ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the population of Minembwe;
• Conduct independent and impartial investigations to identify those responsible;
• Break the silence surrounding the Minembwe crisis and amplify the voices of victims.
Despite more than ten alerts issued by the Action Pour le Developpement des Jeunes au Congo (ADJC), the international communi ty,
media, and humanitarian actors have remained largely silent. Silence in the face of serious violations of international humanitarian law
may be perceived as implicit tolerance. Urgent and responsible action is required.