In a statement dated February 6, 2026, the Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23, Benjamin Mbonimpa reacted to remarks by the Chairperson of the AU Commission condemning a drone operation carried out by the group on the night of January 31 to February 1 at Bangoka Airport in Kisangani, Tshopo Province.
AFC/M23 said the operation targeted a military facility used by Congolese government forces to launch repeated drone attacks against both its positions and civilian populations in areas under its control in North and South Kivu.
According to the movement, for nearly two months, particularly since January 22, 2026 , civilians in Minembwe and the Haut Plateau have faced an escalation of military operations conducted by government forces using between eight and twelve attack drones operated by foreign mercenaries.
It claims these drones bombed densely populated areas including Minembwe, Twangiza, Rwitsankuku, Katogota, Sange, the Port of Kalundu, Masisi, Walikale, Rutshuru, Lubero, Mwenga and Kalehe, as well as civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and churches, resulting in the deaths of many civilians, including women and children.
The AU Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the Kisangani strike on Friday, warning that attacking infrastructure located in a major city could endanger civilian lives and violate international law.
He further stated that in the absence of evidence proving the airport was being used for military purposes, the action could be considered an attack on civilian infrastructure and classified as terrorism.
In response, AFC/M23 rejected that characterization, stating that the drone-neutralization operation “exclusively targeted military assets,” caused no civilian casualties, and was intended to protect innocent populations while enforcing the ceasefire established under the Doha Agreement.
The group argued that condemning what it describes as a defensive action without prior investigation or requests for contradictory information places the AU Commission in an unbalanced position and raises questions about its impartiality in the peace process it is expected to lead.
AFC/M23 further said that describing an action it claims helped save lives as terrorism represents a dangerous step backward for the African Union, weakens its moral credibility, and departs from its fundamental mandate to protect African peoples.
It also criticized the AU Commission for what it called silence on the use of foreign mercenaries operating attack drones, noting that the African Union Charter prohibits the use of mercenaries.
The movement concluded by strongly condemning what it termed a hasty statement and called on the African Union to adopt an impartial, responsible and fact-based approach, which it said is the only path toward a just and lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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