DRC army reclaims Mikenge, accuses M23 of civilian abuses

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s armed forces (FARDC) announced on 12 June 2026 that they regained control of Mikenge in the Hauts‑Plateaux of South Kivu on 10 June 2026 after intense fighting with the M23‑aligned RDF/AFC coalition and allied groups Twirwaneho and Red Tabara.

In a statement signed by Lieutenant‑Colonel Mak Hazukay, the FARDC accused the retreating rebels of destroying public and private infrastructure, looting civilian property and seizing large numbers of cattle, describing these actions as grave violations of international humanitarian law. The army called on national, regional and international mechanisms, as well as humanitarian and human‑rights organisations, to investigate the alleged abuses, document damage and assist victims. The communiqué also urged local authorities, religious leaders and community members to promote peace, cohesion and the disarmament of rebel fighters.