GOMA — The Congo River Alliance (AFC-M23) has accused the Kinshasa government of carrying out deadly drone strikes against civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying the attacks represent serious violations of the ceasefire agreement and constitute war crimes against innocent populations.
In an official statement issued on May 8, 2026, AFC-M23 reported that forces allied with the Kinshasa regime launched drone strikes against the public market of Nyabiondo in Masisi territory on Friday between 3:45 p.m. and 4:25 p.m.
According to the movement, the preliminary death toll from the bombardment includes at least 20 innocent civilians killed and more than 57 injured, among them women, children, and other vulnerable residents. AFC-M23 described the attack as a deliberate strike against civilian populations and condemned it as both a war crime and a crime against humanity.
The alliance stated that since the beginning of May 2026, coalition forces aligned with the Kinshasa government have intensified indiscriminate attacks in heavily populated areas while repeatedly violating the ceasefire.
AFC-M23 reported that on May 8, repeated drone attacks targeted Gankenke in central Minembwe. The group also stated that Mikenke, also located in central Minembwe, came under repeated drone strikes on May 7.
The movement further accused coalition forces of bombing Kalenga in Masisi territory on May 7 at approximately 1:20 p.m., resulting in civilian deaths and additional mass displacement of local populations.
Additional attacks were reported in Lumbishi and surrounding areas in Kalehe territory on May 4, while the localities of Lumbishi, Rutare, and nearby communities were allegedly subjected to deadly strikes on May 3. AFC-M23 also claimed that combat drones struck Rugezi in the Minembwe region on May 2, causing civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
In the statement, AFC-M23 strongly criticized Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, accusing him of demonstrating a lack of concern for both the country and its people through continued military operations targeting civilian areas.
The alliance stated that the peace process cannot succeed if only one side respects ceasefire agreements, insisting that meaningful negotiations require mutual commitment from all parties involved.
AFC-M23 declared that it could no longer remain passive while civilians and its own positions continued to face attacks. The movement stated that it reserves what it described as the legitimate right to respond firmly in order to protect populations living in areas under its control.
The group specifically accused coalition forces composed of FARDC, FDNB, FDLR, Wazalendo militias, and foreign mercenaries of carrying out repeated attacks across eastern Congo.
AFC-M23 also appealed to the international community, including the African Union, the East African Community, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, SADC, the European Union, the United Nations, and international mediators, to take note of what it described as barbaric crimes committed by the Kinshasa regime against civilians.
The statement was issued in Goma on May 8, 2026, by representatives of the Congo River Alliance (AFC).
