Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo witnessed another dramatic escalation on Sunday after a series of drone strikes and bombardments targeted populated areas in Rumangabo, Rubaya, Kalehe and Minembwe, deepening fears among civilians already trapped in months of conflict.
At around 7:35 a.m. on May 24, 2026, explosions were reported in Rumangabo after combat drones identified as CH-4 aircraft struck areas near civilian neighborhoods and facilities linked to Virunga National Park.
According to AFC/M23 battlefield updates, the attack hit both densely populated zones and a camp used by rangers responsible for protecting Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic conservation sites and a UNESCO World Heritage location.
The movement accused forces allied to the Kinshasa government of carrying out indiscriminate bombardments.
In its statement, AFC/M23 said: “This barbaric attack claimed civilian lives, spread terror among local populations, and destroyed homes and property belonging to innocent people.”
Residents in Rumangabo described panic and confusion as explosions shook the area near the headquarters of Virunga National Park.
Additional reports from sources within the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, cited by Kivu Morning Post, indicated that major destruction had occurred, although no official casualty figures had yet been released.
The Congolese government had not publicly commented on the allegations or confirmed details surrounding the strike by the time of publication.
The Rumangabo attack came only hours after another deadly drone strike struck Rubaya shortly after midnight, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure in the coltan-rich town controlled by AFC/M23 since May 2024.
The alliance had earlier condemned the Rubaya strike as “a horrific massacre orchestrated by the Kinshasa regime against innocent civilians.”
Rubaya has become one of the most strategic flashpoints in eastern Congo due to its lucrative mineral resources and its importance in regional military operations.
In recent days, fierce clashes had already intensified around nearby villages including Kinigi, Chugi, Kawere and Kavuta as Congolese government troops and Wazalendo militias attempted to push toward the mining center.
On May 21, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka announced that “RDC forces and Wazalendo militias intensified attacks” in the Katoyi sector of Masisi territory.
He also referred to earlier offensives launched on May 19 in Mitimingi and neighboring areas.
The violence has also spread far beyond North Kivu. AFC/M23 claims that from late Saturday night into Sunday morning, kamikaze drones and KT-6 aircraft carried out bombardments in Kalingi, Bidegu, Gakenke, Rugezi, Kalonge and Mikenke in the Minembwe region.
Local residents said many families spent the night hiding or fleeing after explosions were reported near residential areas.
The alliance said the attacks had plunged civilians into “terror and despair.”
In South Kivu’s Kalehe territory, AFC/M23 further alleged that government forces launched attacks around 3:00 a.m. in Cyangungu and surrounding populated areas, forcing additional waves of displacement.
Humanitarian concerns continue to grow as thousands of civilians abandon homes, farms and businesses while searching for safer locations.
Analysts warn that the increasing use of combat drones and kamikaze aircraft in populated areas could significantly raise civilian casualties and worsen one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.
As both sides accuse each other of escalating the violence, ordinary civilians remain caught in the middle, facing displacement, economic collapse and growing uncertainty about their future.
