A deadly drone strike in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has left more than 30 civilians dead, sparking fierce condemnation from the AFC/M23 movement. The group’s leadership is directly blaming the Congolese government for the massacre, while simultaneously directing heavy criticism at the United States for what it calls a “timid” response that shields the current regime from accountability.
The strike, which occurred on Friday, May 8, targeted populated areas in Mushake within the Masisi territory of North Kivu.
The Mushake Bombardment
In a formal statement issued on Saturday, AFC/M23 political leader Corneille Nangaa accused forces aligned with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi of executing a deliberate bombardment on civilian zones.
Nangaa alleged that the attack was carried out by a broad coalition of government forces and allied armed groups. According to his statement, this coalition includes:
- The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC)
- Burundian military troops
- The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)
- Wazalendo militias
- Colombian and American mercenaries
“These criminal acts, which caused more than 30 deaths and many injuries, were perpetrated by the illegitimate regime in Kinshasa, backed by its allies… and other negative forces on its payroll,” Nangaa stated. He emphasized that the attacks represent repeated violations of existing peace commitments by Kinshasa, particularly in the conflict-weary North and South Kivu provinces.
The U.S. Angle: Mining Deals and ‘Ambiguity’
A significant portion of the AFC/M23’s frustration has been directed at the United States, a key international mediator in the ongoing conflict.
Following the attack, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs issued a statement condemning the violence in Mushake, as well as additional killings near Uvira in South Kivu. The bureau urged “all parties” to exercise maximum restraint, implement ceasefire commitments, and commit to de-escalation.
Nangaa, however, strongly rejected the U.S. statement, arguing that appealing to “all parties” creates a false equivalence between the perpetrators and the victims.
“The U.S. Department of State… curiously proves incapable of clearly designating the responsible party, known to all, for these drone bombardments, condemning it, and taking the necessary sanctions,” Nangaa argued. “This ambiguity is, at the very least, profoundly regrettable. Its stance, both timid and equivocal, is unworthy of the gravity of the facts.”
Furthermore, Nangaa levied serious allegations against President Tshisekedi, accusing him of leveraging economic ties with the U.S. to avoid international scrutiny. “It is deeply regrettable to note that President Tshisekedi uses his mining agreements with the United States to claim absolute impunity,” he said, asserting that this allows Kinshasa to violate peace agreements without consequence.
Escalating Violence and the Doha Talks
The condemnation was echoed by Freddy Kaniki, a senior AFC/M23 figure currently involved in ongoing peace negotiations in Doha. Kaniki clarified that Mushake, located approximately 20 miles from the strategic city of Goma, is far removed from active frontlines and was not a zone of immediate military engagement.
Kaniki described the drone strike as a severe violation of international humanitarian law, noting an escalating pattern of drone warfare targeting non-combatants. He pointed to recent attacks across North and South Kivu, including a March strike in Goma that killed two civilians and a French humanitarian worker, as well as continued strikes in Minembwe.
“Such conduct reflects a disturbing level of irresponsibility and recklessness that warrants unequivocal international condemnation,” Kaniki stated.
Appealing directly to Washington, Kaniki added that the United States must uphold higher moral and ethical standards. “No political or economic considerations, including ongoing mineral agreements with the United States, should place any government or leader above the rule of law and established international norms.”
