The March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels have accused the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), alongside Wazalendo coalition forces, of killing seven civilians in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province.
According to local sources, suspected FARDC soldiers and Wazalendo fighters on Sunday evening, March 29, 2026, at around 6:30 p.m., stormed the Shanji trading center in Kalehe Territory and killed seven civilians.
Witnesses say the victims were shot at a local market, where the assailants also reportedly carried out looting.
The injured were taken to Numbi Hospital for treatment.
In a statement released on Monday, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka identified the deceased as Shadai Ndagije, Bisengi Mpenze, Étienne Gitinywa, Gashimye Hitimana, Daniel Hategeka, Ndayambaje Muhire, and Iradukunda Nzanzumuhire.
He added that at least 20 other civilians were injured during the attack.Kanyuka further alleged that between Sunday night and Monday morning, FARDC and allied forces carried out indiscriminate bombings using kamikaze drones targeting densely populated areas of Mikenke and Gakenke in the highlands of Minembwe.
He described the attacks as a serious violation of international humanitarian law and accused the coalition of deliberately targeting civilians.He also accused the Congolese government of failing to honour its commitments and alleged continued collaboration with FDLR elements, which he said fuels instability in the region.
FARDC had not issued an official response to the accusations by press time.
Meanwhile, despite recent claims by M23/AFC that their withdrawal from some front-line positions is part of a “strategic rotation” and a confidence-building measure under the Doha peace process, fighting continues in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
On Sunday, clashes resulted in the capture of Humura and Mukohwa localities in Nyamaboko 1 groupement, Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, by M23/AFC rebels.
With the fall of nearby areas, including Ngululu, the strategic town of Rutoboko, an important logistical base for government forces, is now under threat.
Local sources indicate that Rutoboko Stadium serves as a key landing site for helicopters supplying FARDC troops.Separately, FARDC Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Jules Banza announced that two senior army officers were arrested over allegations of recruiting for M23/AFC rebels in the Greater Katanga region.
He said the arrests followed investigations linked to a foiled insurrection in Mitwaba involving Bakata Katanga militia elements. Investigations are ongoing to identify additional collaborators within the army ranks.
The M23/AFC group, which resurged in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, has repeatedly traded accusations with the Congolese government over ceasefire violations.
Kinshasa has consistently accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, claims denied by both Kigali and M23/AFC.The rebel group maintains that its struggle is aimed at addressing corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Democratic Republic of Congo’s leadership.
In early 2025, it launched a renewed offensive in eastern Congo, capturing several key towns and escalating fears of a wider regional conflict. URN