Heavy Drone Bombardments Reported in Minembwe as AFC/M23 Claims to Defend Civilians

On the night of March 7 to March 8, 2026, forces allied with the Kinshasa government reportedly launched intense bomb attacks targeting densely populated areas in Minembwe, including Gakenke, Kalingi and surrounding localities.

According to a statement released by AFC/M23, the attacks were carried out using kamikaze drones, which the group claims deliberately targeted civilians and their property. The statement indicates that the explosives struck residential areas, causing fear among residents and damaging property.

AFC/M23 further stated that on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at around 11:30 a.m., the bombardments intensified, particularly in Kalingi and nearby areas, where explosions reportedly continued to cause panic among the population and resulted in casualties.

The group said its forces are currently engaged on the battlefield to counter what it describes as attacks launched by the Kinshasa government, with the aim of protecting civilians, securing areas under its control, and stopping what it called “brutal assaults.”