GOMA, DRC — The spokesperson for the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23), Lawrence Kanyuka, has condemned what he described as coordinated military incursions by Congolese government forces and allied militias into densely populated areas surrounding the city of Goma. According to Kanyuka, the attacks occurred early Monday morning, August 25, 2025, and resulted in the deaths of four civilians and left three others critically injured.
In a statement issued to the press, Kanyuka said:
“At 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, a disorganized coalition of Kinshasa’s forces—including FARDC, FDLR, Mai-Mai Wazalendo, and Nyatura—penetrated heavily populated zones in Kibati, Munigi, Goma, and adjacent areas. Four innocent civilians were killed, and three others sustained serious injuries.”
The AFC/M23, a politico-military movement that has controlled Goma and its surrounding territories since late January 2025, accused the Congolese government of violating the Doha Peace Principles signed last month. Among the alleged breaches are the continued detention of political prisoners and the failure to release detainees as agreed.
Kanyuka emphasized that AFC/M23 remains committed to protecting civilians and will implement new security strategies aimed at dismantling what it calls “terrorist networks” backed by the Kinshasa regime. He further criticized the government’s judicial practices, citing arbitrary arrests and death sentences handed down to Congolese citizens suspected of collaborating with AFC/M23. The movement also denounced the legal proceedings against former President Joseph Kabila, calling them a “parody of justice.”
The rebel group has conducted regular security sweeps in areas under its control, targeting suspected criminals and searching for hidden weapons in civilian homes. These operations, according to AFC/M23, are part of its broader effort to maintain stability and prevent further incursions by government forces.
Despite the signing of a preliminary peace agreement on July 19, tensions between the Congolese army and AFC/M23 have escalated, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. No official response from Kinshasa has been issued regarding the latest allegations.
Human rights organizations and international observers are being urged by AFC/M23 to document and condemn what it describes as systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Congolese government and its allied militias.
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