Rwanda Condemns FARDC Airstrikes, Urges International Action Against AFC/M23

Kigali, December 15, 2025 - Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has criticized the international community for what he describes as its selective attention to violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking on his X account, Amb. Nduhungirehe condemned airstrikes and drone attacks carried out by the DRC’s Armed Forces (FARDC) in the Rwitsankuku area on the morning of December 15, which reportedly killed multiple civilians. He emphasized that Western nations largely ignore these attacks on Banyamulenge villages, yet respond swiftly when the AFC/M23 rebel group retaliates.

“You will never hear Westerners condemn these despicable acts of violence by the FARDC. These airstrikes targeting densely populated areas, including Banyamulenge villages, have occurred repeatedly, with the DRC government itself advocating for them. But Western countries only take notice when AFC/M23 responds,” he said.

Amb. Nduhungirehe’s comments come amid an escalation of air and drone strikes in South Kivu Province following AFC/M23’s recent victories over Burundian, DRC, Wazalendo, and FDLR forces in the Rusizi Valley. The minister called for decisive international action against the rebel group while highlighting what he described as the double standard of the international community.