AFC/M23 has accused the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), along with their allies, of escalating fighting in South Kivu.
The group stated that on the night of March 16–17, the Kinshasa government and its allies—including FDNB (Force de Défense Nationale du Burundi), FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), mercenaries, and Wazalendo militias—carried out bombings using kamikaze drones targeting densely populated areas of Mikenke, Bidegu, and surrounding locations in Minembwe.
“At present, these criminal strikes continue relentlessly,” said Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the M23 rebels.
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“The AFC/M23 calls upon the Congolese people, as well as international public opinion, to bear witness to this barbaric escalation orchestrated by the Kinshasa regime, which persists in targeting defenseless civilians in densely populated areas,” he added, referring to recent attacks on the city of Goma.
Meanwhile, fighting has also continued in the Ruzizi Plain, where DR Congo forces have reportedly been carrying out intense shelling with heavy artillery against the densely populated Kabunambo area, “sowing death and desolation and triggering the massive displacement of innocent civilians.”
“The AFC/M23 forcefully reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defend and protect civilian populations and their property in the face of this methodical campaign of terror orchestrated by the Kinshasa regime,” noted Kanyuka.
Escalating clashes between Kinshasa government and the rebels continue following the death of a senior M23 official, military spokesperson Willy Ngoma, who was reportedly killed in a drone attack in North Kivu by FARDC.
In a statement, AFC/M23 said continued attacks are targeting its fighters and “continue to take the lives of many innocent compatriots.”
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Both FARDC and M23 have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, particularly in parts of South Kivu and North Kivu.
These violations are also a matter of “deep concern” to the African Union Commission, which condemned a recent drone attack in Goma that claimed three lives, including a French UNICEF employee, Karine Buisset.
“The African Union remains fully committed to working with the government of the DR Congo, regional partners, and the international community to advance a durable political solution, de-escalate violence, and promote lasting peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.
