AFC/M23 Accuses Kinshasa, Burundi, and FDLR of deadly Drone strikes in South Kivu
The AFC/M23 rebel coalition has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army (FARDC), alongside Burundian forces, mercenaries, and the FDLR militia, of carrying out fresh large-scale attacks against civilians in South Kivu Province.
In a statement released Thursday, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that Kinshasa’s coalition forces used CH-4 drones and heavy artillery to bombard the Mikenke area of Minembwe highlands, home to the Banyamulenge community, as well as several parts of Kalehe territory including Katana, Kavumu, Katasomwa, and Nyabibwe.
“Since the night of August 27, Kinshasa’s forces have been indiscriminately shelling heavily populated areas in Minembwe and Kalehe with drones and heavy weapons. The attacks are ongoing,” Kanyuka said.
The MRDP-Twirwaneho movement also reported that mercenaries operating drones struck Rugezi in southern Minembwe around 1:00 a.m., disabling mobile phone networks. Additional strikes were reported in Kahololo village, in the Itombwe highlands of Fizi territory, and in Uvira. The movement alleged that Kinshasa had issued orders to target all Banyamulenge-inhabited villages in Minembwe.
These latest assaults come after similar operations in Kadasomwa on August 26–27 and in Minembwe on August 27, which reportedly left numerous civilians dead and many others wounded.
The AFC coalition condemned the attacks, accusing President Félix Tshisekedi of choosing war over peace efforts led by Qatar. It vowed to continue defending civilians in eastern Congo.
