AFC/M23 Sends Delegation to Peace Talks, Accuses DRC of Ongoing Attacks

Goma, April 9, 2026 - The AFC/M23 coalition has announced the dispatch of an envoy to upcoming peace talks in Switzerland, while accusing the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo of continuing military operations in areas under its control. In a statement released on April 9, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that Congolese armed forces had intensified attacks since April 8 in the Masisi territory, particularly in the localities of Nyabyondo and Gahira. He claimed that the operations involved the use of aircraft and heavy weaponry in densely populated areas. “The attacks continue with alarming intensity, causing the population to live in constant fear and insecurity,” Kanyuka said. The coalition said it had communicated its concerns to mediators, including the government of Qatar, which is facilitating dialogue between the parties, as well as to international stakeholders such as the African Union and the United States. AFC/M23 accused Kinshasa of pursuing a dual approach-publicly supporting negotiations while continuing military operations on the ground. The group reiterated its stated preference for a political resolution to the conflict but said it would continue to defend territories and civilian populations under its control. Peace talks are scheduled to take place in Switzerland from April 13 to 17, amid broader regional and international pressures. Organizers have indicated that logistical adjustments to the talks were made in part due to ongoing instability in the Middle East, which has affected mediation efforts previously hosted in Qatar.