AFC/M23 Denounces Kinshasa’s “General Offensive” Amid Escalating Fighting

MASISI, North Kivu February 25, 2026 - The AFC/M23 rebel movement has accused the Kinshasa government of launching a “general offensive” across multiple frontlines following the death of its military spokesperson, Willy Ngoma, in a drone strike near Rubaya on Tuesday, February 24. Bertrand Bisimwa, president of M23 and deputy coordinator of AFC/M23, stated on Wednesday that the operation represents a coordinated military campaign, violating the ceasefire and reflecting a deliberate choice to prioritize military action over dialogue. He criticized the absence of any visible initiative to halt the government’s offensive, contrasting it with the swift international reactions observed when the rebels defend themselves. Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23, reported several attacks on Wednesday: at 9:00 a.m. in Rutigita (Minembwe), 10:30 a.m. in Kitazungura (Kalehe territory), and 12:00 p.m. in Rugezi and its surroundings (Minembwe). The attacks reportedly involved armed drones and heavy artillery, resulting in casualties and population displacements. Ngoma’s death comes after Magloire Paluku was killed, amid intensifying hostilities in eastern DRC. The escalation follows challenges to the ceasefire proposed by Angola, airstrikes by FARDC, and ground offensives by Wazalendo forces, allies of the government, targeting AFC/M23 positions, a group reportedly supported by Rwanda according to the United Nations. Ngoma had been sanctioned by the United States in 2023 for the group’s role in murders and sexual violence against civilians. On the ground, fighting has resumed with intensity in Kibanda, approximately two kilometers from Kasopo, in the Nyamaboko 1 group (Osso Banyungu sector). FARDC troops and Wazalendo fighters from Buhimba launched an offensive against rebel positions, with heavy and light weapons fire reported in and around Kibanda. Explosions were also heard in neighboring villages, notably Kashebere in Walikale territory. Residents described the situation as volatile, fearing further escalation. Since the beginning of the week, clashes have spread across Osso Banyungu, Katoy sectors, and the Bahunde chiefdom, reflecting a multi-front offensive in a strategic territory near mining areas and supply routes. Renewed fighting also erupted in the villages of Lumbishi and Kashovu, where Wazalendo militias launched a counter-offensive early Wednesday to reclaim the localities. The clashes triggered further population displacements, with families fleeing the areas affected by the fighting. The ongoing conflict has also disrupted communications in Masisi territory, including the mining town of Rubaya, which has been without telephone, internet, and mobile money services since Tuesday, February 24. The outage has directly affected economic activity and financial exchanges, forcing some residents to travel up to ten kilometers or climb hills to regain a signal. The interruption follows drone attacks by the FARDC, including the strike that killed Willy Ngoma, highlighting the broader humanitarian and operational impact of the military escalation. These developments underscore the fragility of security in Masisi and surrounding areas, with residents bearing the brunt of the ongoing multi-front offensive and population displacements while armed clashes continue to escalate.