DRC : the east embraces between drone strikes, bombings and cross-accusations

SOS Médias Burundi

Goma, May 25, 2026— The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a renewed military escalation marked by drone strikes, shelling and an intensification of fighting between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and AFC/M3 rebels. The clashes affect several provinces, notably Tshopo in northeastern Congo, as well as North Kivu and South Kivu to the east, exacerbating an already chronic security crisis and causing further displacement of civilians.

Kisangani : drone facilities targeted by strikes

This Monday morning, after a series of explosions that occurred overnight from Sunday to Monday, the airport of Kisangani, in the province of Tshopo, was targeted by strikes attributed to the rebels of the AFC/M23.

According to Congolese security sources, at least eight attacks targeted various sites used by the FARDC’s drone command and control services. These facilities served as an operational base for military drones engaged in operations against armed groups active in the east of the country, particularly in the Minembwe, Rutshuru and Masisi areas.

Following the bombings, the Congolese authorities announced the temporary suspension of all flights to and from Kisangani, while securing the area and assessing the damage.

North Kivu : fighting and new strikes around Rubaya

In the territory of Masisi, the mining town of Rubaya was hit on the night of Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 May 2026 by several explosions attributed by residents to military aircraft, in a context of resurgence of fighting between the FARDCM/23.

A first strike allegedly targeted a hotel facility known as Rubaya’s Guest House, causing several injuries and significant property damage, according to local sources.

A second strike would then hit an outlying grazing area, causing the destruction of several homes and livestock losses.

The local civil society denounces shelling affecting inhabited areas far from the front lines, and is concerned about the consequences for civilians.

Meanwhile, clashes were reported in the neighboring localities of Kinigi and Kibabi, involving Wazalendo armed groups allied with government forces. This fighting led to further displacement of populations to the centers of Rubaya and Bihambwe.

The AFC/M23 accuses the Congolese army of strikes in several areas

In a statement issued on May 24, the AFC/M23 accused the DRC Armed Forces and their allies of conducting a series of air strikes in North Kivu and South Kivu.

The movement claims that Rumangabo, in Rutshuru territory, as well as the camp of the eco-guards of the Virunga National Park, were allegedly targeted by CH-4 fighter drones. It also recalls bombings in several towns of Minembwe and Kalehe, causing civilian casualties and material destruction.

The AFC/M23 describes these operations as “war crimes” and accuses the Congolese government of targeting inhabited areas.

At the time of publication, no official response from the Congolese authorities had been made public regarding these allegations. The information advanced by the various parties could not be independently verified.

A recent suicide attack and international calls for restraint

On May 8, drone strikes in the center of Mushaki, Masisi territory in North Kivu, had killed at least 20 people and wounded about 60, according to local sources.

Following these strikes, the United States had condemned the attacks and called on all parties to uphold and respect ceasefire commitments, without designating anyone responsible.

“All parties must show the utmost restraint, honor their ceasefire commitments, protect civilians and commit themselves to dialogue and de-escalation,” a US official said.

A regional war with multiple actors

The M23, a former Tutsi rebellion, took up arms in 2021 and is now integrated into the Congo River Alliance (AFC), led by Corneille Nangaa, former president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). The coalition claims a political reorientation of the DRC towards a federal model.

Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the group, which Rwanda denies, in turn accusing the DRC and Burundi of supporting the FDLR, a Hutu armed group whose members are allegedly involved in crimes related to the 1994 Tutsi genocide.

Despite these denials, several United Nations reports confirmed the presence of Rwandan forces alongside the rebels. Burundi has also deployed thousands of troops in eastern DRC between 2022 and 2025, according to security sources, operating alongside the FARDC and Kinshasa-backed Wazalendo militias.

Rich in strategic minerals, eastern DRC remains mired in a protracted war for three decades, involving local armed groups, regional forces and foreign actors. Despite diplomatic efforts, civilian populations continue to pay the heaviest price.