Community Radio in Minembwe Hit Again by Drone Strike.

In Minembwe, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a community radio station has once again been caught in the line of fire.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, a drone strike reportedly hit Radio Tuungane, a local station based in Fizi territory, South Kivu. According to members of civil society in the area, the attack caused damage to parts of the station’s infrastructure and equipment, disrupting its ability to operate.

For residents, this is not an isolated incident.

Over the past three days, the same area has reportedly experienced multiple strikes, including the killing of a 90-year-old man, damage to a church in Ilundu, and the loss of livestock in Kiziba and surrounding villages.

What makes this latest strike particularly concerning is the role the station plays in the community.

Radio Tuungane is not just a media outlet. In a region marked by difficult terrain and limited access to information, it serves as a vital link for communication across the highlands of Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga. It provides news, local updates, and a sense of connection for communities often cut off from broader national coverage.

This is also not the first time the station has been targeted. Local sources indicate this is the second reported strike against the same radio, raising questions about the safety of civilian infrastructure in the region.

The station has previously received support from international partners, including development and peacebuilding organizations, reflecting its importance beyond just broadcasting.

At the time of reporting, no official statement had been released by the leadership of the station, and media regulatory authorities have yet to respond to the incident.

On the ground, however, the impact is already being felt.

For many in Minembwe, the destruction of a community radio is more than material damage. It represents the silencing of a voice, one that connects people, informs them, and in many ways, helps them navigate life in a region already under pressure.

As strikes continue to affect not only people but also essential civilian structures, concerns are growing about how much more local communities can endure without meaningful protection or accountability.