GOMA — The Alliance Fleuve Congo / Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC/M23) has publicly accused the Kinshasa government of deliberately violating the existing ceasefire agreement and initiating what it describes as a large-scale war against its forces.
In an official statement released Friday from Goma, the movement asserted that government forces have carried out drone strikes targeting both AFC/M23 combatants and civilian populations, including areas located far from active front lines. According to the communiqué, these operations represent a calculated escalation that undermines ongoing peace efforts.
The group reported that the recent attacks resulted in the death of Colonel Willy Ngoma, a senior officer in the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC), who died on February 24, 2026. AFC/M23 officials stated that additional civilians have also been killed in what they characterized as repeated violations of the truce.
The movement declared that such actions would not go unanswered, emphasizing what it described as a collective responsibility to protect affected communities. It reaffirmed its stated commitment to safeguarding both civilians and its personnel throughout territories under its control.
For several weeks, the AFC/M23 said it had alerted international and regional partners involved in the peace process about ongoing ceasefire breaches. The group further accused the Kinshasa authorities of carrying out attacks against civilians in densely populated areas across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
Locations cited in the statement include Kawele, Mweso, Rutigita, Kitazungura, Rugezi, Kitendebwa, Kashihe, Kiduveri, Rubaya, Rumbishi, Walikale, Masisi, Kalehe, Gasovu, Nkokwe, Gatoyi, Minembwe, Gasheke, Murema, Mberwa, Ruki, Mutobo, Nyaruhinga, Mulumemunene, Rutare, Kadasomwa, Nyagisozi, Nyabikeri, Kinyumba, Nyabyondo, Miyanja, Kasirosiro, Bunyantenge, and Misiya, along with surrounding communities.
Despite what the movement described as repeated warnings, it claimed that its concerns were disregarded, characterizing the response as a failure to prioritize de-escalation and civilian protection.
While condemning the alleged actions of the Kinshasa government, the AFC/M23 reiterated that it remains committed to the broader peace process. It stated that it stands “shoulder to shoulder” with civilian populations and is determined to defend lives and property in the areas it controls.
The communiqué was signed in Goma by Lawrence Kanyuka, Head of the Department of Communication for the Alliance Fleuve Congo.
