The AFC/M23 coalition and the MRDP-Twirwaneho movement have controlled Point-Zéro since the night of July 3-4, 2026. The area was previously controlled by the Congolese army, Burundian troops and Wazalendo militia.

According to reliable sources involved in the preparations, the Congolese government has increased the number of troops and military equipment deployed in the province ahead of planned operations targeting positions held by AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho.

The number of foreign mercenaries operating in the area also increased towards the end of August. American and Colombian mercenaries reportedly increased from 10 to 35 and are operating around Lusuku and Alaba, near Point-Zéro, alongside members of the DRC’s special forces unit known as Hiboux.

The mercenaries are expected to take part in specialised operations, including directing air strikes and operating attack drones targeting AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho positions.

On August 28, the Congolese army increased its troop presence in several parts of Uvira Territory, including Murunga, Munanira, Ndolera, Kashabiro and Lemera.

On the night of August 29, a Hiboux battalion moved from the Bilende area in Fizi Territory towards Point-Zéro.

The preparations come as Congolese and Burundian troops, together with Wazalendo fighters, continue to deploy in areas surrounding the Minembwe commune in Fizi, Uvira and Mwenga territories.

Sources also reported that the Congolese army has continued to send military equipment through Burundi. Between August 5 and 7, three aircraft reportedly travelled from Kinshasa to Bujumbura carrying equipment before it was transported to South Kivu.

On August 9 and 10, Burundian military vehicles carrying troops, equipment and military drones reportedly crossed the Gatumba-Kavimvira border towards Baraka in Fizi Territory.

The Chief of Staff of the Congolese Armed Forces, Lt Gen Banza Mwilambwe Jules, and his Burundian counterpart, Gen Prime Niyongabo, also travelled to Kalemie in early August, where they followed preparations for planned operations in Minembwe.