Corneille Nangaa Slams United States Over Mushaki Drone Strike
Corneille Nangaa, the coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve Congo coalition that includes the M23 rebel movement, has strongly criticized the United States following a deadly drone strike in Mushaki, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which the coalition blames on Congolese government forces.
The attack occurred on Friday, May 8, when drones allegedly operated by the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) struck Mushaki market in Masisi Territory, killing several civilians and injuring many others.
In a statement posted on his X account, Nangaa said the number of injured civilians had surpassed 30. He accused the government in Kinshasa of carrying out what he described as “criminal acts” with the support of foreign allies and armed groups operating alongside Congolese forces.
According to Nangaa, the Congolese government continues to rely on support from Burundian troops, the FDLR militia, Wazalendo fighters and foreign mercenaries, including Colombians and Americans, while benefiting from backing by Washington.
“These criminal acts, which killed more than 30 people and injured many others, were committed by the illegitimate Kinshasa regime, which boasts of being supported by the United States,” Nangaa stated, adding that the government was using that support to justify joint military operations with allied forces and militias.
The AFC leader argued that the actions carried out by Kinshasa should be strongly condemned and that those responsible must be held accountable.
The criticism came shortly after the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs condemned the Mushaki attack on Friday, while stopping short of directly accusing the Congolese government of responsibility.
The United States has recently strengthened ties with Kinshasa, particularly following agreements allowing Washington access to strategic mineral resources in the DRC, a development that AFC/M23 officials increasingly view with suspicion.
Nangaa accused Félix Tshisekedi of using mineral cooperation agreements with Washington to shield his administration from accountability.
“It is regrettable to see Félix Tshisekedi using mining agreements with the United States to place himself above the law, giving himself the right to kill defenseless civilians while also violating all peace agreements without consequences,” Nangaa said.
He also criticized Washington for failing to explicitly identify Kinshasa as the party behind the Mushaki strike despite, in his words, “everyone knowing who carried out the attack.”
Nangaa further questioned the neutrality of the United States after it called on “all parties” to respect the ceasefire and de-escalate tensions following the incident.
According to him, placing AFC/M23 and the Congolese government “in the same category” undermines mediation efforts and raises concerns about the impartiality and credibility of international mediation mechanisms.
The AFC coordinator warned that such positioning by Washington could ultimately weaken prospects for achieving lasting peace in eastern Congo.
