Explosive drones target Kisangani airport, Congo blames M23 and Rwanda

Eight explosive-carrying drones targeted the airport serving the northeastern Congolese city of Kisangani over the weekend but were intercepted before reaching their destination, local authorities said on Sunday, blaming the AFC/M23 rebel group and neighbouring Rwanda, according to Reuters.

The government of Tshopo province said the drones attempted to strike Bangoka International Airport between early Saturday and early Sunday. Officials described the aircraft as “kamikaze drones” equipped with what they called non-conventional munitions made up of multiple sub-munitions. No casualties or damage were reported. If confirmed to be an AFC/M23 operation, the incident would mark the furthest west the rebel group has carried out an attack since launching its offensive against the government in Kinshasa, Reuters reported.

An AFC/M23 spokesperson, Willy Ngoma, told Reuters he had “no comment” on the allegations. A spokesperson for Rwanda’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the group, although United Nations experts and Western governments say Kigali backs AFC/M23.

One diplomatic source and three security sources confirmed to Reuters that a drone attack occurred near the airport. The type of drones used was not immediately clear, though two security sources said they appeared to be short-range models.

Since the fall of Goma, Kisangani has become a key forward operating base for Congo’s military aircraft, including jets and drones used in operations in the east. A spokesperson for Congo’s army declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

The incident comes just months after Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at easing tensions and ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo. The deal, signed in Washington in December 2025 and known as the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, was intended to usher in stability, promote economic cooperation and stabilise the Great Lakes region.

However, the agreement has struggled to gain traction. Both sides accuse each other of undermining the accord, and violence in eastern Congo has continued despite diplomatic commitments. Congolese officials say Rwanda continues to back the M23 rebel group, while Kigali denies direct involvement and insists it remains committed to the peace process.

International patience is also wearing thin. In Washington, lawmakers from both parties have expressed frustration over the lack of progress and are considering sanctions against Rwanda over its alleged role in destabilizing eastern Congo. The United States, which hosted the peace talks, faces growing pressure to prevent the agreement from unravelling.

The United Nations has meanwhile focused on disarmament and reintegration efforts. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) recently facilitated the repatriation of former Rwandan rebels from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and their families back to Rwanda. While such voluntary surrenders suggest limited progress, they do little to address M23’s continued presence or the wider conflict threatening the fragile peace agreement.

Critics have long warned that the peace deal could falter due to the competing interests of Kinshasa, Kigali and various non-state armed groups. The latest accusations from Congo appear to reinforce those concerns.