AFC/M23 Vows Retaliation After Death of Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma

The AFC/M23 coalition has vowed to continue attacks on Bangoka Airport in Kisangani and to avenge the death of its former military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, amid escalating tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In a statement issued on March 3, 2026, the coalition confirmed that it carried out a drone strike on Bangoka Airport on March 1, 2026, saying the operation targeted drones allegedly being prepared by the Congolese army to strike AFC/M23 positions and civilian areas. The group said a similar attack had already been conducted on February 1, 2026, with the same objective of destroying facilities used to coordinate drone operations against its bases. Bertrand Bisimwa, Deputy Director for Political, Diplomatic and Governance Affairs within the coalition, said the group considers the attacks part of its responsibility to protect civilians, particularly as mediation efforts have not stopped ongoing hostilities. “While mediators in the peace process have not been able to compel Kinshasa to respect its commitments or stop attacks against innocent people, we must fulfill our duty to protect the population,” he said. The escalation follows the death of Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, who was killed on February 24, 2026, during a drone strike attributed to Congolese government forces near Rubaya centre in Masisi territory, North Kivu. According to the coalition, the strike targeted AFC/M23 fighters engaged on the front line, resulting in several casualties including Ngoma, who served as the movement’s military spokesperson. Lawrence Kanyuka, the coalition’s political spokesperson, said the deaths of fighters and civilians would not be forgotten and that those responsible must be held accountable. He stated that the coalition remains determined to seek justice for its members and supporters, including Ngoma. The developments come despite a ceasefire agreement signed between the DRC government and AFC/M23 during talks in Qatar, which was intended to reduce hostilities in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. However, continued military operations and drone strikes in the region have contributed to renewed clashes and heightened tensions, with fighting reported in several areas over recent days.