DRC: AFC/M23 Accuses Burundi of Deadly Cross-Border Strikes in the East

Kinshasa, DRC - In a statement released on December 5, 2025, the Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) claimed that bombings launched from Burundian territory have been targeting several villages in North and South Kivu for over three days, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 civilians, along with injuries and significant material damage.

The rebel movement accused Burundi of supporting strikes carried out by fighter jets, drones, and artillery against densely populated areas, describing the actions as a "methodically planned offensive."

According to AFC/M23, these attacks have caused new mass displacements of people toward Bukavu and Rwanda, and the group considers these acts to be war crimes.

While condemning what it describes as Burundi’s involvement alongside the Congolese government, the rebellion reaffirmed its commitment to "protecting civilians."

At this stage, no official reaction from Kinshasa or Bujumbura has been reported to confirm or deny these allegations.