AFC/M23 has accused the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo of carrying out deadly drone strikes on civilian areas in eastern Congo. In an official communiqué dated May 8, the group alleged that forces aligned with the Kinshasa government conducted drone strikes on Mushaki market in Masisi Territory between 3:45 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. local time on Friday. According to the statement, at least 20 civilians were killed and more than 57 others injured, including women and children. The alliance described the attack as a “war crime” and a “crime against humanity.” The communiqué further cla

AFC/M23 has accused the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo of carrying out deadly drone strikes on civilian areas in eastern Congo.

In an official communiqué dated May 8, the group alleged that forces aligned with the Kinshasa government conducted drone strikes on Mushaki market in Masisi Territory between 3:45 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. local time on Friday.

According to the statement, at least 20 civilians were killed and more than 57 others injured, including women and children. The alliance described the attack as a “war crime” and a “crime against humanity.”

The communiqué further claimed that drone attacks and bombardments had intensified across several areas in North and South Kivu provinces since the beginning of May. The group cited alleged strikes in Gankeke in central Minembwe, Mikenke in central Minembwe, Kalenga in Masisi Territory, as well as Lumbishi, Rutare and surrounding areas in Kalehe Territory.

AFC/M23 accused Congolese coalition forces, including the FARDC, FDLR, Wazalendo militias and foreign mercenaries, of violating ceasefire arrangements by targeting densely populated zones.

The alliance said the actions of President Félix Tshisekedi and the Kinshasa administration demonstrated what it described as disregard for the country and its population.

The group said the peace process “cannot be unilateral” and warned that it could not continue to “passively witness attacks against innocent civilians” in areas under its control.

In the statement, AFC/M23 said it reserved what it called the “legitimate right” to respond militarily in order to protect civilians and its own positions in liberated areas.

The group also called on regional and international actors, including the African Union, the United Nations, the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community, to take note of the alleged violence.

The Congolese government had not immediately responded publicly to the accusations at the time of publication. Independent verification of the claims was not immediately available.

The latest accusations come amid ongoing regional peace efforts led through the Luanda and Nairobi processes, which have sought to broker ceasefires and negotiations between Kinshasa and armed groups operating in eastern DR Congo, including M23.

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