Angolan forces officially Join War Against AFC/M23 in DRCongo
The Air Force of Angola has deployed troops and combat aircraft to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to support government forces in operations against the AFC/M23 coalition and the armed group MRDP-Twirwaneho, active in the Minembwe commune.
On February 18, 2026, Angola sent approximately 100 soldiers to Kalemie Airport in Tanganyika Province. Within hours, about half of the contingent was redeployed to the town of Baraka and other parts of Fizi Territory to reinforce Congolese forces on the ground.
The deployment coincided with the date a ceasefire initiative proposed by Angola was expected to take effect. Observers note that following the end of President João Lourenço’s tenure as Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Luanda appears to have shifted from a mediating role to direct military involvement in the conflict.
Angola is also reported to have dispatched Sukhoi-30 and Sukhoi-25 fighter jets to Kalemie. The aircraft are expected to support aerial operations targeting AFC/M23 and MRDP-Twirwaneho positions in the mountainous areas of Fizi Territory.
From February 19 to 21, senior military officials from Burundi and the DRC held a three-day security meeting at Kiriri Garden Hotel in Bujumbura. The talks brought together Burundi’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Prime Niyongabo, his Congolese counterpart Gen Jules Banza Mwilambwe, and the DRC’s Minister of Defence, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita.
Also in attendance were Brig Gen Mwaku Mbuluku Daniel, commander of the DRC’s 33rd military region; Col Kisembo Isingoma Benjamin, head of Sokola 2 operations; and Angolan military pilots.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the meeting focused on coordinating a joint offensive within the week against AFC/M23 positions in the Ruzizi Plain in Uvira Territory. The planned operations would involve both ground and air forces in a bid to retake areas currently under rebel control.
The Congolese government coalition now reportedly comprises thousands of troops, including forces from Angola, the DRC, and Burundi, alongside armed groups such as the FDLR, Imbonerakure youth members, Wazalendo militias, and foreign mercenaries from South America and Algeria.
Angola’s growing military role in eastern DRC comes amid ongoing diplomatic messaging from Luanda advocating dialogue among Congolese stakeholders. However, critics argue that the deployment signals firm backing for President Félix Tshisekedi’s campaign to regain full control of territories held by AFC/M23.
Angolan Sukhoi fighter jets have been deployed to Kalemie to be used in military operations in South Kivu.
