In an official communique released on Saturday night, the group said the strike occurred on February 24, 2026, and targeted both soldiers and civilian populations far from the front lines.
Initial media reports indicated that Ngoma, a senior official within the AFC/M23 ranks, was killed in a drone strike by the Kinshasa forces in Rubaya.
AFC/M23 accused the Kinshasa regime of violating the ceasefire and imposing a full-scale war against the group. The communique states that these attacks have claimed multiple lives and continue to put civilians at risk across the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“These crimes will neither go unnoticed nor unpunished. The memory of the victims binds us and engages our collective responsibility,” the statement read, emphasising the group’s commitment to defending both civilians and its forces.
The rebel group further noted that the AFC/M23 had repeatedly alerted national and international partners about ongoing ceasefire violations and massacres of civilians in numerous densely populated areas of North Kivu and South Kivu.
According to the group, the affected areas include Kawele, Mweso, Rutigita, Kitazungura, Rugezi, Kitendebwa, Kashihe, Kiduveri, Rubaya, Rumbishi, Walikale, Masisi, Kalehe, Gasovu, Nkowe, Gatoyi, Minembwe, Gasheke, Murema, Mberwa, Ruki, Mutobo, Nyaruhinga, Mulumemunene, Rutare, Kadasomwa, Nyagisozi, Nyabikeri, Kinyumba, Nyabyondo, Miyanga, Kasirosiro, Bunyantenge, and Misiya, as well as their surrounding areas.
Despite these warnings, the group says, the Kinshasa regime continued its attacks, demonstrating a “blatant disregard for de-escalation efforts.”
The AFC/M23 also reaffirmed its dedication to the peace process while vowing to continue protecting the populations and territories under its control.
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