The Higher Military School of the FDLR (ESM) was burned down by AFC/M23 fighters in Rutangara.
In an interview with Rutshuru Actualité, the spokesperson for the FDLR’s military wing, Lt. Sacramento, accused the AFC/M23 group of launching an attack aimed at destroying the Higher Military School (École Supérieure Militaire) located in Rutangara, Bibwe locality, Bashali Mokoto groupement, Masisi territory, North Kivu.
The clashes began on June 28, 2026, when M23 fighters attacked at dawn the FDLR positions in Rutangara, where the Higher Military School and the headquarters of the FDLR Commissariat were based.
According to a source from *Rwandatribune* present in the area, FDLR fighters resisted and called for reinforcements from the CRAP Battalion led by Lt. Col. Rurakabije Guillaume, as well as the Nyatura Abazungu group, which joined the fighting from Cyitso.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fighting intensified during the day, ending with AFC/M23 seizing the FDLR positions that hosted the training schools for senior officers and non-commissioned officers (ESO).
The FDLR’s School Department is headed by Gen. Bdg Rishirabake Bernard, known as Manzi Mutunzi, assisted by Gen. Bgd Korerimana Matovu, who specifically oversees the ESO schools. Each year, around 1,200 officers graduate from these institutions.
Shamukiga Vedaste
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