Many people are feared dead and dozens injured after soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and their coalition allies reportedly carried out bomb strikes in Mushaki town and surrounding areas this evening in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province.
The bomb attacks, reportedly carried out using combat drones, occurred this evening at around 04:20PM. Videos recorded at the scene show injured civilians being rushed to nearby health facilities, while others were seen bleeding heavily following the explosions.
A local resident, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, said the bombs struck an area located about 40 kilometres west of Goma City. According to the resident, the strikes were targeting positions of the March 23 /Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels in the area. However, some of the bombs reportedly missed their targets and landed in civilian-populated areas.
In a statement released Friday evening, Lawrence Kanyuka M23/AFC spokesperson confirms the bombings and accuses Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and its coalition allies of carrying out what he described as a barbaric campaign of indiscriminate bombings targeting civilians.
Kanyuka say the latest attack represents an escalation of extreme gravity and reflects a deliberate intention to terrorize civilian populations. He also says no one can remain silent in the face of these blind bombings that daily plunge Congolese families into mourning.
Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, the coordinator of AFC, also addressed journalists in Goma City on Friday evening and alleged that the bombings killed more than 20 civilians and injured over 60 others. Nangaa, who appeared alongside M23 president Bertrand Bisimwa, says the latest attack on civilians was further proof that the Congolese government is not committed to peace, stability, or the protection of human life.
Nangaa also says that a government that repeatedly targets populated areas cannot claim to stand for dialogue while ruling through fear and bloodshed.
By press time, the FARDC had not responded to the accusations. Before the bombings in Mushaki and surrounding areas, heavy fighting had earlier erupted between M23/AFC rebels and FARDC coalition forces in Kalamo and Batayo villages in Ziralo Groupement, Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province.
FARDC has previously surprised positions of M23/AFC rebels with bomb strikes. On February 24, 2026, bomb strikes killed Lieutenant Colonel Willy Ngoma , military spokesperson of the group. Ngoma was killed at around 3:00 am in the coltan-mining town of Rubaya, Masisi territory, North Kivu province. The strike targeted a residential house at Kasuku Farm where he was staying.
The latest incident could further jeopardize the ongoing peace talks between the two sides, which are already facing uncertainty following the failure to implement commitments related to prisoner exchanges and a ceasefire.
The M23/AFC rebel group, which re-emerged in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Major General Sultan Emmanuel Makenga, remains actively engaged in combat with government forces. The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, allegations that have been denied by both Kigali and M23/AFC leaders.
M23/AFC says its armed struggle is aimed at addressing corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC leadership. In early 2025, the group launched a rapid offensive in eastern Congo, capturing several strategic towns and raising fears of a wider regional conflict-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
