AFC/M23 Claims Drone Strike Killed Col. Willy Ngoma, Accuses Kinshasa of Ceasefire Breach

The armed coalition Alliance Fleuve Congo in alliance with Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC/M23) has accused the government in Kinshasa of breaching an existing ceasefire and launching what it described as an “open war,” including drone strikes targeting its positions and areas far from active frontlines.

In a statement signed in Goma on Saturday, AFC/M23 said the alleged violations resulted in the death of one of its senior officers, Colonel Willy Ngoma, who it reported was killed on February 24, 2026. The group further claimed that several civilians were also killed in the strikes.

Allegations Against Kinshasa

In its statement, AFC/M23 accused the Congolese government of:

• Violating ceasefire agreements.

• Conducting drone strikes, including in areas not considered active combat zones.

• Targeting both its fighters and civilians.

The coalition said the alleged attacks “will never be ignored or left unpunished,” adding that it has a responsibility to protect civilians and its personnel in territories it says it controls.

AFC/M23 stated that for weeks it had appealed to peace process facilitators to intervene and prevent what it termed repeated ceasefire violations. It alleged that civilian killings had occurred across several parts of North and South Kivu provinces.

The group listed multiple areas where it claims incidents took place, including Kawele, Mweso, Rutigita, Kitazungura, Rugezi, Kitendebwa, Kashihe, Kiduveri, Rubaya, Rumbishi, Walikale, Masisi, Kalehe, Gasovu, Nkokwe, Gatoyi, Minembwe, Gasheke, Murema, Mberwa, Ruki, Mutobo, Nyaruhinga, Mulumenumene, Rutare, Kadasomwa, Nyagisozi, Nyabikeri, Kinyumba, Nyabyondo, Miyanja, Kasirosiro, Bunyantenge and Misiya, among others.

According to the coalition, repeated alerts regarding alleged abuses in these areas were ignored, which it said undermines efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians.

Despite accusing the Kinshasa government of initiating a broader conflict, AFC/M23 stated that it remains committed to peace negotiations and will not withdraw from talks. The group emphasized that it would continue to protect civilians and property in areas under its control.