Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo- The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have announced the loss of one of their most valiant and loyal officers, Colonel Alexis Rugabisha, commander of the 12th Brigade, who fell in the line of duty during intense fighting against the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Official Release
In an official press release (No. 005) issued on February 2, 2025, FARDC confirmed that Colonel Rugabisha died in combat on Saturday, February 1, near Mukwiza in Kalehe territory, South Kivu.
The colonel was leading his troops in a fierce battle on the Southern Front, courageously repelling enemy forces from Nyabibwe to the outskirts of Minova before succumbing to his injuries.
“The Congolese nation will forever be grateful to this worthy son of the country who shone through his feats of arms and consistently defended his homeland against Rwandan aggressions and rebellions maintained by Rwanda within our borders,” the statement read, signed by Major General Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa Efomi, spokesperson for the FARDC General Staff.
Time as commander
Rugabisha was revered within the FARDC ranks for his leadership, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the defense of the DRC’s sovereignty.
His death comes amid escalating tensions in South Kivu, where FARDC forces are engaged in relentless battles against M23 rebels, whom Kinshasa accuses of being supported by Rwanda.
The region has been the epicenter of violent clashes in recent months, as M23 forces advance toward strategic towns, threatening regional stability.
“Colonel Rugabisha died with weapons in hand, embodying the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism. His legacy will inspire generations of Congolese soldiers,” said Major General Ekenge during a press briefing in Kinshasa on Sunday.
Colonel Rugabisha died with weapons in hand, embodying the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism.
Major General Ekenge
Intensified Fighting Near Bukavu
The colonel’s death occurred during a critical phase of the conflict, with M23 rebels advancing dangerously close to Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.
Reports indicate that rebel forces are now within 20-25 kilometers of the city, raising fears of a potential fall that could further destabilize the region.
The fall of Bukavu would not only represent a significant strategic loss for FARDC but could also strengthen ties between M23 and other rebel factions, including RED-Tabara, which Burundi accuses of receiving Rwandan support to destabilize its government.
This evolving alliance poses a grave threat to the security of the entire Great Lakes region.
Colonel Rugabisha’s death underscores the high human cost of the conflict and the growing urgency for regional and international intervention.
The fall of Bukavu would not only represent a significant strategic loss for FARDC but could also strengthen ties between M23 and other rebel factions, including RED-Tabara, which Burundi accuses of receiving Rwandan support to destabilize its government.
This evolving alliance poses a grave threat to the security of the entire Great Lakes region.
Colonel Rugabisha’s death underscores the high human cost of the conflict and the growing urgency for regional and international intervention.
FARDC continues to accuse Rwanda of direct involvement in the conflict, alleging that Rwandan forces are fighting alongside M23 rebels—a claim that Kigali has repeatedly denied.
The Congolese government has called on the international community to condemn Rwanda’s alleged aggression and to support efforts aimed at restoring peace in eastern DRC.
Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania have also expressed concerns about the escalating violence, warning of its potential to ignite a broader regional conflict.
