Overview:
In contrast, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka argued that the attacks were a defensive response to the FARDC and coalition's indiscriminate drone bombardments of civilian areas. Kanyuka emphasized that the rebels targeted drones about to be launched to prevent civilian massacres, framing the action as a patriotic duty.
Movement/Alliance River Congo (M23/AFC) rebels have claimed responsibility for a recent attack at Bangboka International Airport in Kisangani, Tshopo province, amid rising hostilities in eastern DR Congo.
Authorities reported that on Sunday, March 1, 2026, kamikaze drones loaded with cluster munitions targeted the airport, located over 1,000 kilometers from the front lines.
Paulin Lendongolia Lebabonga, Governor of Tshopo, stated that all four drones were intercepted by FARDC soldiers and their partners.
In contrast, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka argued that the attacks were a defensive response to the FARDC and coalition’s indiscriminate drone bombardments of civilian areas. Kanyuka emphasized that the rebels targeted drones about to be launched to prevent civilian massacres, framing the action as a patriotic duty.
He warned that such operations would continue until President Felix Tshisekedi’s coalition ended the alleged attacks on liberated territories.
Earlier incidents include the January 31, 2026, drone engagement, where FARDC claimed to have destroyed four armed drones near the same airport.
M23/AFC countered, asserting that their drones successfully destroyed a government army command center coordinating attacks on civilians and rebel positions across Masisi, Walikale, Rutshuru, Lubero, Kalehe, Mwenga, and Minembwe. Fighting has intensified in Minembwe (South Kivu) and Masisi (North Kivu), lasting over ten days.
Amid the conflict, the United States announced sanctions on the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) and four senior officers for allegedly supporting M23/AFC rebels.
Rwanda condemned the sanctions, accusing DRC forces of violating ceasefires with drone and ground offensives and highlighting foreign mercenaries and militias operating alongside FARDC.
Since its 2022 resurgence under Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, M23/AFC has exchanged repeated accusations with the Congolese government over ceasefire violations. The group denies Rwandan backing and claims its mission is to fight corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within DR Congo’s political leadership.
***URN***