Africa-Press – Uganda. The March 23 Movement (M23) has strongly criticised the African Union Commission’s condemnation of its recent drone operation at Kisangani Airport in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, describing the AU’s statement as biased and defamatory.
In a statement released on Thursday, Benjamin Mbonimpa, Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23, said the AU “condemns the neutralization of killer drones while remaining silent on the repeated bombings targeting both civilian populations and AFC/M23 military positions, carried out by the Kinshasa regime using these same drones.”
According to the group, civilians in Minembwe and the High Plateaus have been subjected to escalating attacks by government forces for nearly two months, particularly since January 22, 2026.
Mbonimpa listed areas affected, including Minembwe, Twangiza, Rwitsankuku, Katogota, Sange, Port de Kalundu, Masisi, Walikale, Rutshuru, Lubero, Mwenga, Kalehe, and the High Plateaus, alleging that foreign mercenaries piloted eight to twelve attack drones that targeted both military and civilian sites, including hospitals, schools, and churches.
“The operation to neutralize the drones, which targeted exclusively military assets, caused no civilian casualties and aimed to protect innocent populations while enforcing the ceasefire established by the Doha Agreement,” Mbonimpa said.
The AU Commission, led by Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, condemned the Kisangani attack, arguing that the airport constitutes civilian infrastructure and that the strike “gravely endangered civilian populations,” potentially amounting to an act of terrorism under international law.
Youssouf warned that such acts could carry individual criminal responsibility and urged AFC/M23 to immediately halt hostilities and comply with the Doha Agreement.
Mbonimpa countered that the strike deliberately targeted a military installation, describing it as “the main mechanism for the planning, coordination, and execution of deadly operations targeting civilian populations as well as AFC/M23 positions in the liberated areas.”
He accused the Kinshasa government of failing to protect civilians and leaving military equipment unguarded at other airports.
“The AFC/M23 solemnly recalls that it will never stand idly by while innocent civilians are systematically targeted,” Mbonimpa said, urging the AU to adopt “an impartial, responsible, and fact-based approach, the only path likely to contribute to a just and lasting peace.”
Despite the escalation, Mbonimpa emphasized that the group remains committed to a negotiated resolution.
“Finally, the AFC/M23 reaffirms its unwavering and sincere commitment to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict,” he added.
