AFC/M23 Says Any FARDC attack Will Face ‘Heavy Punishment’

The AFC/M23 rebel movement has warned that any new military offensive launched by the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) government forces against territories under its control will be met with a forceful response, including pushing attacking troops back beyond their points of departure.

In a statement released on Monday, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka accused the Kinshasa government of intensifying military operations throughout May, describing the period as marked by an increase in both ground and aerial attacks against areas controlled by the movement.

According to the statement, AFC/M23 is concerned about what it describes as the deployment of additional troops, heavy weapons, and military equipment by government forces along frontlines in preparation for fresh offensives. The group alleges that the planned attacks target both civilian-populated areas and its military positions.

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.

Kanyuka stated that AFC/M23's response to any new offensive would go beyond merely defending its current positions. He warned that the movement would seek to push government forces back beyond the areas from which they launch attacks.

Since the beginning of last year, M23 has largely halted territorial expansion. Under pressure from regional and international mediators, the group withdrew from several locations in South Kivu Province, including the city of Uvira and areas stretching from Uvira Territory to Kamanyola in Walungu Territory.

Meanwhile, the Twirwaneho armed group, which cooperates with M23, continues to control the strategic center of Minembwe in Fizi Territory. The area has become a frequent target of drone strikes conducted by government forces in recent months.