President Félix Tshisekedi’s government is facing mounting criticism after coalition forces allegedly carried out deadly drone strikes on populated areas in North Kivu at a time when parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are already struggling with an Ebola outbreak, deepening fears among civilians trapped between war and disease.
Residents and AFC/M23 sources said the latest bombardments targeted Rubaya and Rumangabo, two areas already facing severe humanitarian pressure, raising questions about the humanitarian consequences of escalating military operations in densely populated communities.
According to AFC/M23, a CH-4 combat drone operated by coalition forces allied to Kinshasa struck the densely populated town of Rubaya shortly after midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The movement described the attack as a “barbaric and premeditated” assault that killed several civilians and destroyed homes and civilian property.
The violence reportedly continued hours later. At around 07:35 a.m., another CH-4 drone allegedly shelled populated parts of Rumangabo, including residential neighborhoods and the Rangers camp.
Witnesses cited by AFC/M23 said parts of the area were engulfed in flames following the strike, worsening fear and insecurity among residents already living under the threat of conflict and disease.
The attacks come amid heightened concern over Ebola in eastern Congo, where health authorities and humanitarian actors have been struggling to contain outbreaks in an environment already complicated by insecurity, displacement, and weak public health infrastructure.
Critics argue that military escalation in populated areas risks further disrupting humanitarian access and worsening conditions for vulnerable communities.
AFC/M23 condemned what it described as war crimes against civilians and accused the Congolese government of imposing war on local populations instead of pursuing political dialogue.
The movement also criticized what it called the silence and selective reactions of parts of the international community, arguing that attacks on civilians in areas under AFC/M23 control often receive little international attention.
“If similar events were attributed to AFC/M23, international condemnation would likely be immediate and overwhelming,” the group said in a statement, accusing international actors of applying double standards in their responses to civilian suffering in eastern Congo.
The latest strikes underscore the worsening humanitarian and security crisis in North Kivu, where years of armed conflict have displaced millions and left communities vulnerable to violence, hunger, and disease outbreaks.
AFC/M23 renewed calls for a political solution to the conflict, insisting that military operations and bombardments against civilian areas would not bring lasting peace.
The group argued that sustainable stability can only be achieved through dialogue, security guarantees, and the safe return of refugees.
The rebel alliance further warned that continued silence from regional and international actors risks emboldening further violence against civilians.
There was no immediate response from the government in Kinshasa regarding the allegations at the time of publication.
