Published on March 22, 2026
Rwanda-backed rebels on Monday claimed responsibility for a drone attack on the airport serving Kisangani, a strategic city in northeast Democratic Republic of Congo, which is located far from the active front lines in the eastern region of the country.
The group known as AFC/M23, which United Nations experts assert has support from Rwanda, first targeted the airport with drone strikes in early February. The rebels have stated their intentions to disrupt operations in an area that has remained relatively calm amid ongoing conflicts elsewhere in the country.
Kisangani, situated at the confluence of the Congo and Tshopo Rivers, has traditionally been seen as an important logistical and economic hub. The attacks on its airport raise serious concerns about escalating violence and the destabilization of regions previously considered secure.
The drone strikes contribute to a worrying trend of increasing sophistication in the tactics employed groups. Analysts warn that if such incidents become more frequent, they could severely disrupt civil aviation and hinder humanitarian efforts in the region.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of its sovereignty and a direct threat to civilian safety. Officials are urging the international community to intervene and support efforts to restore security and stability in the eastern territories, which have faced decades of conflict fueled factions.
As tensions rise, the situation in northeastern Congo remains volatile, with local populations living in constant fear of further violence and disruptions to their daily lives. The broader implications of these attacks underscore the continuing struggle for peace in a region long plagued instability.