The M23 rebels have accused the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo of carrying out deadly drone strikes on civilian areas in the eastern part of the country, escalating tensions amid ongoing ceasefire efforts.
In a statement released on Friday, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed that forces loyal to President Félix Tshisekedi launched drone attacks on Mushaki market in Masisi Territory between 3:45 pm and 4:25 pm on May 8, 2026.
According to the group, at least 20 civilians were killed while more than 57 others sustained injuries, including women and children. The alliance described the attack as a “war crime and a crime against humanity,” accusing Kinshasa of deliberately targeting densely populated civilian areas.
Kanyuka further alleged that several other locations in eastern Congo have come under repeated bombardment since the beginning of May. These include Gankenke and Mikenke in central Minembwe, Kalenga in Masisi Territory, and Lumbishi, Rutare, and surrounding areas in Kalehe Territory. He also cited an earlier drone strike in Rugezi, Minembwe region, which it says caused civilian deaths and displacement.
He claimed the attacks violate ongoing ceasefire arrangements and accused government coalition forces, including the FARDC, FDNB, FDLR, Wazalendo militias, and foreign mercenaries, of escalating violence in areas under AFC/M23 control.
He warned that AFC/M23 “reserves the legitimate right to respond with the utmost firmness” in order to protect civilians and its positions in what it described as “liberated areas.”
He also called on international actors, including the African Union, United Nations, European Union, Southern African Development Community, East African Community and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, to take note of what it termed as continued attacks by the Kinshasa government.
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had not yet responded publicly to the allegations by press time.
