AFC/M23 Confirms Deployment of Commandos Near Kisangani

On March 5, 2026, the AFC/M23 coalition announced the deployment of specialized commando units near Bangoka International Airport in Kisangani, DRC, aimed at targeting drone operations used by the DRC army and its allies. The coalition confirmed that it had carried out drone attacks on the airport on February 1 and March 1, 2026, intending to destroy facilities used to launch attacks on AFC/M23 bases and civilians in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Deputy Spokesperson Dr. Oscar Balinda explained: “The commando forces travel day and night, they go to do their work and then return. So they went and worked, and then returned. This is the terror we want to stop so that we can respect the ceasefire, return to the negotiating table, and achieve lasting peace.” On March 2, 2026, AFC/M23 inducted 1,518 new fighters at the Rumangabo military base in Rutshuru Territory, defining them as specialized commando units trained to operate while mobile, rather than maintaining permanent bases. Yannick Tshisola, Director of the Office of the AFC/M23 Commander-in-Chief, indicated that these commandos could play a decisive role in operations targeting Bangoka airport. This deployment highlights AFC/M23’s focus on mobile, tactical operations to protect its controlled areas while signaling readiness for continued self-defense amidst the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

Faits rapportés

On March 5, 2026, the AFC/M23 coalition announced the deployment of specialized commando units near Bangoka International Airport in Kisangani, DRC, aimed at targeting drone operations used by the DRC army and its allies. The coalition confirmed that it had carried out drone attacks on the airport on February 1 and March 1, 2026, intending to destroy facilities used to launch attacks on AFC/M23 bases and civilians in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Deputy Spokesperson Dr. Oscar Balinda explained: “The commando forces travel day and night, they go to do their work and then return. So they went and worked, and then returned. This is the terror we want to stop so that we can respect the ceasefire, return to the negotiating table, and achieve lasting peace.” On March 2, 2026, AFC/M23 inducted 1,518 new fighters at the Rumangabo military base in Rutshuru Territory, defining them as specialized commando units trained to operate while mobile, rather than maintaining permanent bases. Yannick Tshisola, Director of the Office of the AFC/M23 Commander-in-Chief, indicated that these commandos could play a decisive role in operations targeting Bangoka airport. This deployment highlights AFC/M23’s focus on mobile, tactical operations to protect its controlled areas while signaling readiness for continued self-defense amidst the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.