General Olivier Gasita, an ethnic Banyamulenge senior officer in the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), along with troops under his command, has been sent to South Kivu to support Gen. Pacifique Masunzu in fighting the twirwaneho militia, made up largely of their fellow Banyamulenge.
Highly confidential sources within FARDC, familiar with the deployment, confirm that the offensive will originate from Lulenge, with Gasita’s forces targeting Twirwaneho in Rugezi and other southern areas of Minembwe commune, which has a large Banyamulenge population.
One FARDC soldier told MCN, “Gen. Olivier Gasita is heading to Rugezi from Kindu, meaning those in Rugezi and nearby areas should stay alert. He could strike at any time.”
Although no precise timing was given, the soldier noted Gasita will launch the attack from Kilembwe, later advancing into other parts of Lulenge after arriving from Kindu with his troops.
Gen. Gasita, currently Deputy Regional Commander for the Maniema Region, is based in Kindu, where he has his headquarters and is set to initiate the offensive.
He was deployed to Bukavu briefly in late March, after FARDC forces were defeated by M23 on 16 February 2025, then sought refuge in Uvira before Gasita, Lt. Gen. Masunzu, and other FARDC commanders relocated to Kisangani, where Masunzu remains.
Gasita received the rank of Brigadier General in late 2024, and was immediately appointed Deputy Commander for Intelligence in South Kivu Province.
Hailing from South Kivu and belonging to the Banyamulenge community, Gen. Gasita is regarded as one of President Félix Tshisekedi’s trusted officers. He and Lt. Gen. Masunzu are being deployed to pursue militia leaders they accuse of betraying and harming their co-ethnics.
