The AFC/M23 coalition has announced that 20 people were killed and 57 others injured in a drone attack on the Mushaki market in Masisi Territory, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 8, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the attack occurred between 9:45 a.m. and 5:25 p.m. and was carried out by forces allied with the Congolese government.
He stated that the victims included women, children, and other civilians, describing the attack as “a war crime and a crime against humanity.”
The Mushaki attack is the latest in a series of incidents that AFC/M23 says have targeted areas under its control since early May 2026.
The coalition also referred to events that took place in the Gankenke area of Minembwe on May 8, 2026.
According to AFC/M23, on May 7, 2026, at around 1:20 p.m., government forces shelled Kalenga in Masisi Territory, causing deaths and forcing many residents to flee their homes.
The group further claimed that attacks were carried out on May 4, 2026, in the Lumbishi area and nearby locations in Kalehe Territory. It added that Lumbishi, Rutare, and surrounding areas were also heavily attacked on May 3, 2026.
AFC/M23 also alleged that drone strikes in Rugezi, Minembwe, on May 2, 2026, killed many civilians and triggered mass displacement.
The coalition accused the government of Félix Tshisekedi of continuing to violate the ceasefire agreement and carrying out attacks against civilians in areas under AFC/M23 control.
It added that it “cannot continue to remain passive” in the face of attacks on civilians and its positions, while reaffirming what it described as its right to self-defense and the protection of civilians.
