DRC - AFC/M23 Threatens to Arrest President Tshisekedi Over Civilian Deaths

Goma, 8 January 2026: The AFC/M23 rebel coalition has issued a direct threat against President Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, announcing intentions to arrest him and bring him to court. The statement came from Lt Col Willy Ngoma, spokesman for AFC/M23, during a farewell ceremony for 22 civilians from the Masisi Center, North Kivu, who were reportedly killed by a DRC Army drone strike on 2 January 2026. Lt Col Ngoma said: "He will definitely pay for this. It will not be long, you will see. He will go to court for these things. We will arrest him, he will go to court." The General Director of AFC/M23, Corneille Nangaa, condemned the DRC government for killing civilians, accusing it of failing to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. He stated: "The false political power that the Kinshasa government has given itself does not give it the right to kill civilians. No elections, no international recognition, no patriotic struggle can justify the killing of civilians." Nangaa assured residents in AFC/M23-controlled areas that their security remains a priority, promising that the fighters will continue to protect civilians with the same dedication. This latest declaration underscores the rising tensions between the DRC government and the AFC/M23, with threats now extending directly to the national leadership.

Faits rapportés

Goma, 8 January 2026: The AFC/M23 rebel coalition has issued a direct threat against President Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, announcing intentions to arrest him and bring him to court. The statement came from Lt Col Willy Ngoma, spokesman for AFC/M23, during a farewell ceremony for 22 civilians from the Masisi Center, North Kivu, who were reportedly killed by a DRC Army drone strike on 2 January 2026. Lt Col Ngoma said: "He will definitely pay for this. It will not be long, you will see. He will go to court for these things. We will arrest him, he will go to court." The General Director of AFC/M23, Corneille Nangaa, condemned the DRC government for killing civilians, accusing it of failing to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. He stated: "The false political power that the Kinshasa government has given itself does not give it the right to kill civilians. No elections, no international recognition, no patriotic struggle can justify the killing of civilians." Nangaa assured residents in AFC/M23-controlled areas that their security remains a priority, promising that the fighters will continue to protect civilians with the same dedication. This latest declaration underscores the rising tensions between the DRC government and the AFC/M23, with threats now extending directly to the national leadership.