The AFC/M23 rebel group has accused the Congolese government coalition of carrying out a series of deadly attacks against the Banyamulenge community in South Kivu province, describing the operations as “terrorist actions” that have worsened the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, June 2, Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23’s political spokesperson, claimed that government forces and allied militias conducted coordinated assaults between May 23 and 29 in multiple areas, including Rugezi, Mikenke, Kalingi, Bijabo, and Bibokoboko.
Allegations of Joint Military Operations
Kanyuka alleged that the attacks involved:
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Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC)
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Burundian National Defense Forces (deployed from Kizura and Rulenge)
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FDLR (a Rwandan Hutu rebel group with alleged links to the 1994 genocide)
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Wazalendo militias (a pro-government Congolese armed group)
“These barbaric attacks have caused countless human losses and plunged the region into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis,” Kanyuka stated.
Details of the Attacks
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Rugezi: FARDC, Burundian forces, and FDLR reportedly launched deadly assaults.
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Mikenke & Kalingi: Wazalendo militias allegedly attacked from Kipupu and Zero.
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Bijabo & Bibokoboko: Burundian troops and Wazalendo militias allegedly carried out joint offensives.
Eastern Congo has been embroiled in violence for three decades, with numerous armed groups vying for control. The M23, a predominantly Tutsi rebel faction, has been engaged in heavy fighting against government forces since late 2021.
The rebels have captured two major cities since January 2024 and accuse the government of:
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Systemic discrimination against Congolese Tutsi communities
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Poor governance and economic mismanagement
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Failing to protect civilians from militia violence
Adding to the tensions, former President Joseph Kabila—who has been critical of current leader Felix Tshisekedi recently returned from exile and is reportedly residing in M23-controlled territory.
Despite mediation attempts by regional bodies (SADC, EAC) and international actors, fighting continues unabated. The Congolese government has repeatedly denied collaborating with the FDLR, calling such claims “propaganda.”
The UN estimates that millions remain displaced in eastern DR Congo, with aid groups struggling to access conflict zones. The latest accusations suggest further deterioration, with civilians caught in the crossfire.As of publication, the Congolese government has not officially responded to the M23’s latest allegations. Meanwhile, regional leaders are expected to discuss the crisis in upcoming diplomatic talks.
Nous condamnons avec la plus grande fermeté les attaques répétées menées contre nos compatriotes banyamulenge par les forces coalisées du régime de Kinshasa. Ces actions terroristes, perpétrées du 23 au 29 mai 2025, ont systématiquement visé plusieurs zones densément peuplées du…
— Lawrence KANYUKA (@LawrenceKanyuka) June 2, 2025
