The March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels have accused the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and allied Wazalendo fighters of bombing Minembwe General Hospital in South Kivu Province. The allegation comes amid renewed fighting between FARDC and allied forces on one side, and M23/AFC rebels alongside their Twirwaneho allies on the other, which has triggered the displacement of civilians in several areas of Minembwe.
In a statement released Wednesday evening, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that FARDC and its coalition forces used combat drones to bomb Minembwe at around 2:00 p.m., damaging several structures, including parts of the hospital. Kanyuka claimed that the pediatric ward, where women and children were receiving treatment, was among the affected areas.
He further alleged that the incident followed another bombing campaign carried out by FARDC and its allies in Minembwe and surrounding areas on Tuesday. “At 2:00 PM this Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime bombed the Minembwe General Hospital using combat drones, including the pediatric ward where sick and particularly vulnerable children are being treated,” Kanyuka said in the statement.He accused FARDC and its allies of carrying out indiscriminate attacks that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, and called on the Congolese population and the international community to take note of what he described as war crimes.
M23/AFC President Bertrand Bisimwa also condemned the alleged attack, saying targeting a hospital during armed conflict violates international humanitarian law. Bisimwa said medical facilities, ambulances, health workers, and wounded persons are protected under the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.He accused the Congolese government of acting against the population it claims to protect, adding that those responsible would eventually be held accountable. By the time of filing this story, FARDC had not issued a response to the allegations. The renewed clashes continue to complicate ongoing peace efforts, with both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire agreements.
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellion, allegations denied by both the Rwandan government and M23/AFC leaders. M23/AFC says its armed struggle is aimed at addressing corruption, discrimination, and xenophobia in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The rebel movement launched a major offensive in early 2025, capturing several strategic towns in eastern Congo and raising concerns about a wider regional conflict-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
