M23 confirms Col Willy Ngoma’s death

The Alliance Fleuve Congo / Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC/M23) has announced that it believes the Kinshasa government has deliberately violated the existing ceasefire agreement and escalated the conflict into a full-scale war.

According to the movement, government forces have carried out drone strikes targeting both AFC/M23 combatants and civilian populations, including areas far from active front lines.

The group states that these alleged violations have resulted in significant casualties.

Among those killed was Colonel Willy Ngoma, a senior officer of the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC), who died on February 24, 2026.

The AFC/M23 describes his death as a major loss and says that many civilians have also been killed in the reported strikes and military actions.

The movement strongly condemns what it calls repeated breaches of the ceasefire and attacks against non-combatants.

It asserts that such actions undermine ongoing peace efforts and threaten already vulnerable communities.

The AFC/M23 maintains that accountability is necessary and emphasizes its position that these incidents should not go unanswered.

For several weeks, the group says it has raised concerns with partners involved in the peace process, warning of continued ceasefire violations and reporting civilian casualties in various parts of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

It cites numerous locations where it claims civilians have been affected, including areas in and around Mweso, Rubaya, Walikale, Masisi, Kalehe, Minembwe, Gasheke, and other surrounding communities.

According to the AFC/M23, these areas are densely populated, increasing the risk to non-combatants.

Despite what it describes as consistent and urgent warnings, the movement argues that its concerns were not adequately addressed by mediators or international partners.

It interprets this as a failure to prevent escalation and to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict-affected regions.

The AFC/M23 states that, in light of what it calls an imposed and generalized war, it remains committed to defending areas under its control and protecting civilian populations and their property.

At the same time, the group reiterates its stated commitment to the peace process, saying it continues to support dialogue and negotiated solutions to the conflict.

Overall, the statement portrays the current situation as a serious deterioration of the security environment in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The AFC/M23 calls for greater attention from national and international stakeholders, stressing the need for renewed efforts to uphold ceasefire agreements, protect civilians, and restore stability in North and South Kivu.