AFC/M23 Rejects FARDC Allegations of Civilian Killings in Rutshuru
The Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23) has strongly denied allegations made by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), which accused the rebel coalition of killing civilians in Kiseguru locality, Rutshuru Territory, in North Kivu Province.
In a statement released on June 5, AFC/M23 dismissed the accusations contained in a FARDC communiqué dated June 3, 2026, describing them as "false and politically motivated."
"The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC-M23) firmly condemns the FARDC statement attempting to attribute the killing of civilians in Kiseguru locality, Rutshuru Territory, to our movement," the group said.
AFC/M23 argued that the allegations are part of what it described as a broader disinformation campaign orchestrated by the government in Kinshasa to mislead both Congolese citizens and the international community regarding what it called serious crimes committed by government forces.
The group further accused the Congolese government of attempting to portray itself as a defender of civilians while, according to AFC/M23, FARDC operations continue to result in civilian casualties. The statement specifically referenced the use of armed drones and other military actions in various parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to AFC/M23, the latest accusations are intended to divert attention from what it described as the government's failure to protect civilians and to conceal the role of state forces in the worsening security situation.
The coalition reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law, while maintaining that it remains focused on addressing the political and security challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo.
