At least seven people have been killed and more than 20 others injured in drone attacks in South Kivu province, according to the AFC/M23 rebel group, which attributes the strikes to forces aligned with the Kinshasa regime.
Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the M23 rebels, said the incidents occurred between March 29 and March 30. He alleged that coalition forces carried out bombing attacks using kamikaze drones in Mikenke and Gakenke—densely populated areas in the highlands of Minembwe.
“These attacks constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law,” he said in a post on X.
Kanyuka added that on March 29 at around 6:30 p.m., similar strikes killed seven civilians at Shanji trading center in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu.
The victims were identified as Shadai Ndagije, Bisengi Mpenzi, Etienne Gitinywa, Gashimye Hitimana, Daniel Hategeka, Ndayambaje Muhire, and Iradukunda Nzanzumuhire.
According to AFC/M23, the attacks also left more than 20 people injured.
“This new massacre adds to an already tragic toll and points to a clear intent to spread terror among civilian populations,” spokesperson noted, warning that “the Kinshasa government continues to refuse to implement the commitments it has undertaken.
