M23 accuses Kinshasa regime of using mercenaries in Sunday’s drone attack

The AFC/M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo have accused the Kinshasa government of violating the ceasefire by launching an offensive on Sunday that targeted densely populated areas with the help of foreign mercenaries. The statement was made by Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23. Writing on X, Kanyuka said government forces and their allies continue to breach the ceasefire agreement. “Since 12:00 p.m. this Sunday, August 24, 2025, these forces, composed notably of foreign mercenaries, have been conducting an offensive targeting the densely populated areas of KADASOMWA and its surrounding

The AFC/M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo have accused the Kinshasa government of violating the ceasefire by launching an offensive on Sunday that targeted densely populated areas with the help of foreign mercenaries. The statement was made by Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23. Writing on X, Kanyuka said government forces and their allies continue to breach the ceasefire agreement. “Since 12:00 p.m. this Sunday, August 24, 2025, these forces, composed notably of foreign mercenaries, have been conducting an offensive targeting the densely populated areas of KADASOMWA and its surroundings as well as our positions,” he wrote. He added that these attacks caused heavy human losses and forced many people to flee drone bombings. The issue of mercenaries in the conflict was last reported in January 2025, when more than 280 fighters were defeated and repatriated to Romania through Rwanda after leaving Goma. This time, Kanyuka warned that the situation would not be the same. “Contrary to the Goma scenario, where hundreds of mercenaries were allowed to return unpunished to their homes after massacring our compatriots, their new murderous campaign will guarantee them no safe return,” he said. The accusations come amid rising tensions, despite a peace framework signed less than a month ago. On July 19, 2025, the DRC government and AFC/M23, with Qatar’s mediation, agreed to a declaration of principles meant to prepare the ground for a formal peace deal. The framework required both sides to stop hostilities and remain in their zones of control. However, clashes have continued in North Kivu and South Kivu between M23 and the Wazalendo coalition, which is backed by the Congolese government. Recently, Massad Boulos, senior advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump on Africa, condemned the violence in eastern Congo and urged all parties to respect the ceasefire.