FARDC drone strike on Mushaki market kills 20 Civilians, Says AFC/M23

The AFC/M23 coalition has accused the Congolese government forces of carrying out a deadly drone strike on Mushaki market in Masisi Territory, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing at least 20 civilians and injuring 57 others.

In a statement released on Friday, May 8, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the attack occurred between 3:45 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. local time and was allegedly conducted by forces allied to the government in Kinshasa.

According to the movement, the victims included women, children and other civilians present at the busy market during the strike. AFC/M23 described the incident as both a “war crime” and a “crime against humanity,” accusing the Congolese army and its allies of deliberately targeting civilian-populated areas.

The Mushaki attack is the latest in a series of incidents reported in territories controlled by AFC/M23 since the beginning of May 2026. The group cited additional attacks allegedly carried out in Gankenke, Minembwe on May 8, as well as shelling in Kalenga, Masisi Territory, on May 7, which it said resulted in civilian deaths and mass displacement.

The coalition further claimed that heavy attacks were launched on Lumbishi and surrounding areas in Kalehe Territory on May 4, following earlier strikes on Lumbishi, Rutare and nearby villages on May 3.

AFC/M23 also alleged that drone strikes conducted in Rugezi, Minembwe, on May 2 killed several civilians and forced many residents to flee their homes.

The rebel coalition accused the administration of Félix Tshisekedi of violating ceasefire agreements and continuing military operations against civilians living in areas under AFC/M23 control.

The movement stated that it “cannot continue to remain passive” in the face of attacks targeting civilians and its positions, while reiterating what it called its right to self-defense and the protection of civilians in the territories it controls.