In a statement titled “Trampling on the Ceasefire: Betraying Peace,” shared on its official X account, the coalition said Kinshasa had opted for escalation rather than dialogue at a time when a fragile ceasefire was in place.
AFC/M23: Military escalation undermines peace
According to the statement, the recent drone strike which Congolese armed forces claim killed Lt. Col. Ngoma, represents a violation of commitments made under the Doha agreement.
AFC/M23 stressed that the Doha accord was not “a simple diplomatic document,” but a framework built on mutual commitments aimed at restoring trust between Congolese parties and the international community.
“Every attack carried out in violation of these commitments amounts to withdrawing from the agreement. Each airstrike distances the country from a political solution. Seizing territory by force destroys the confidence that had begun to take root,” the statement read.
The group added that by choosing sustained offensives against AFC/M23, “the Kinshasa authorities have chosen the wrong path, the path of relentless attacks.”
It further argued that the government’s actions reflect a perception that refraining from war signals weakness, a stance the movement says jeopardizes hopes for a negotiated settlement.
Drone strike followed by renewed clashes
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) announced that the drone strike was successful and confirmed the killing of Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma.
While AFC/M23 has not formally issued a direct confirmation of his death, several leaders within the coalition acknowledged casualties from the attack. Bertrand Bisimwa, Deputy Coordinator of AFC and President of M23, paid tribute to fallen fighters in a message posted on X on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
“The revolution is built by heroes who sacrifice their lives to liberate the country and secure a better future for generations to come,” Bisimwa wrote, in what appeared to be a reference to the reported death of Ngoma.
International media reports indicated that nine people were killed in the drone strike, including Ngoma, citing sources within both AFC/M23 and government forces.
Territory changes in North Kivu
The strike was followed by heavy fighting in North Kivu province, particularly in Masisi territory. Areas previously captured by government forces and allied Wazalendo militias, including Kasenyi, Katobotobo, and Luke have reportedly returned to AFC/M23 control.
Clashes are ongoing in Kasinga and Mahanga, according to observers monitoring developments in eastern Congo.
After regaining control of several areas in Masisi, AFC/M23 fighters reportedly met with local residents, assuring them that stability would soon return and that displaced families would be able to reclaim their property without fear of renewed displacement.
Fragile ceasefire at risk
AFC/M23 maintains that it remains committed to upholding the ceasefire and fulfilling its obligations under the Doha agreement. However, the group warns that continued military operations by Kinshasa risk collapsing the peace process altogether.
With tensions escalating and positions hardening on both sides, the latest developments signal a potentially decisive shift in the conflict in eastern Congo, raising fresh concerns over the future of political dialogue in the region.