FARDC Accuses AFC/M23 of Deadly Drone Attacks on Civilians in Minembwe

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have accused the AFC/M23 rebel coalition of carrying out deadly drone strikes targeting civilian areas in Minembwe, located in Fizi Territory of South Kivu Province.

In a statement released on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, FARDC said multiple drone attacks struck the areas of Kalingi and Mikenge early Tuesday morning. According to the Congolese army, the main hospital in Mikenge was deliberately targeted and completely destroyed during the strikes.

The military said several people were killed, including civilians and hospital staff.

FARDC condemned what it described as serious violations of international humanitarian law and accused AFC/M23 and Rwanda of involvement in the attacks.

The Congolese army added that it had informed mediators and international partners involved in ongoing peace efforts in Washington and Doha about the incidents, according to reports published by MediaCongo.net.

FARDC further stated that it reserves the right to defend the country’s sovereignty and protect civilian populations against armed attacks.

The accusations come amid escalating information warfare between FARDC and AFC/M23, with both sides increasingly accusing each other of targeting civilians in the Minembwe region.

In a separate statement issued on Thursday, May 21, AFC/M23 alleged that coalition forces aligned with the Kinshasa government had conducted what it described as “deadly and barbaric” attacks against civilians living in densely populated areas including Gakenke, Kalingi, Kalonge, and Bidegu.

The rebel alliance claimed the attacks were carried out between Wednesday night and Thursday morning using KT-6 drones and kamikaze drones.