AFC/M23 condemns alleged Kinshasa air raids on densely populated Minembwe villages

The armed group alliance AFC/M23 has accused coalition forces allied to the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo of carrying out overnight aerial attacks on densely populated areas of Minembwe in South Kivu Province.

In a statement released on Sunday, May 17, 2026, AFC/M23 said the attacks began at around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and continued until about 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning, targeting the localities of Bidegu, Kalingi and Mikenke.

According to the movement, the strikes were conducted simultaneously using kamikaze drones and KT-6 aircraft. AFC/M23 alleged that the attacks hit civilian-populated areas, forcing many families to flee their homes during the night.

The group described the use of drones and aerial bombardments in residential areas as a “serious violation of international humanitarian law,” accusing Kinshasa’s coalition forces of committing acts that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

AFC/M23 further stated that the attacks caused panic among residents, with civilians reportedly escaping toward safer areas to avoid the bombardments.

The alliance reiterated its commitment to what it called the protection of civilians affected by the conflict, while condemning the actions of the Congolese government and allied forces operating in the region.