With repeated aerial bombings and drone strikes targeting areas under the control by the AFC/M23 rebels, life of the civilian population is increasingly harsh.

The rebels have however, assured that they will at all costs protect the population living in areas they occupy.

“Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing one of those critical times today where civilian populations find themselves, once again, under the threat of bombings and violence caused by the Kinshasa regime,” the rebels said on Sunday.

The rebel alliance added that despite commitments made in various peace processes and repeated calls for de-escalation, the forces of the Kinshasa regime have chosen to continue their military operations in several areas of eastern Congo.

“These attacks, carried out in flagrant violation of the ceasefire, have resulted in deadly bombings that indiscriminately target villages, families, and innocent civilians,” the rebels said.

“The Congo River Alliance / March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) affirms that it has committed its forces on the ground in order to defend the populations, secure the liberated areas and repel the attacks which directly threaten the safety of the inhabitants.”

For the rebels this is not just a military confrontation, “It is a historical and moral responsibility: to protect civilian populations that the genocidal regime in Kinshasa continues to massacre.”

The AFC/M23 has called upon the national and international community, regional organizations, and all actors committed to the pursuit of peace to fully grasp the gravity of the situation that the Kinshasa regime has chosen to impose.

“Peace cannot exist when commitments are violated and civilian populations are exposed to bombing,” the rebels said.

According to the rebels, “no drone or artillery bombardment by the coalition forces of the criminal regime in Kinshasa targeting civilian populations can constitute a solution. But neither can true peace be built on injustice, neglect, and the suffering of the Congolese people.”