DR Congo Army: Bombs Humanitarian Aircraft Minembwe, AFC-M23 Condemns

• A civilian aircraft carrying humanitarian aid was bombed in Minembwe, South Kivu, on August 27 at approximately 8:10 a.m.
• The AFC-M23 movement condemned the attack, accusing a coalition of forces including the Congolese army (FARDC) and other armed groups.
• AFC-M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka called the incident a "terrorist act" and linked it to previous attacks on aid aircraft in Minembwe and Walikale.
• The movement asserted that such acts are intended to discourage humanitarian organizations from assisting vulnerable civilians.
• AFC-M23 called on peace mediators to acknowledge these incidents and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and establishing a security perimeter.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:10 a.m., targeted a mission delivering crucial assistance to civilians in an area that has endured sustained attacks for over a year.

A civilian aircraft, laden with humanitarian aid and essential supplies, was bombed on August 27 in Minembwe, located in the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:10 a.m., targeted a mission delivering crucial assistance to civilians in an area that has endured sustained attacks for over a year.

The AFC-M23 movement swiftly condemned the bombing, issuing a statement on Wednesday, September 2, through its spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka. The movement attributed responsibility for the attack to a coalition of forces, including elements aligned with the Congolese army (FARDC), Burundian forces, the Kinshasa-backed FDLR genocidal militia, Wazalendo militias, foreign mercenaries, and other local armed groups operating in the region.

Lawrence Kanyuka characterized the August 27 bombing as a "terrorist act against a humanitarian mission whose purpose was to provide urgent assistance to civilian populations facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis." The AFC-M23 spokesperson further linked this incident to a broader pattern of attacks targeting humanitarian efforts in the DRC.

Specifically, the movement referenced another aircraft destroyed in Minembwe on June 30, which was carrying medicines intended for a local hospital. They also cited a similar incident reported in Walikale in 2025. Kanyuka asserted that such actions are "deliberately aimed at discouraging humanitarian organisations and partners from assisting vulnerable civilian populations," highlighting a perceived strategy to impede aid delivery.

The repeated targeting of humanitarian assets, as alleged by AFC-M23, raises significant concerns regarding adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. The destruction of aircraft delivering essential aid directly impacts the ability of humanitarian organizations to reach vulnerable populations, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in areas like Minembwe.

Beyond the immediate incident, Kanyuka also voiced strong condemnation of Kinshasa's failure to neutralize the FDLR militia. He further criticized what he described as Kinshasa's "deliberate choice to impose large scale war on the Congolese people," suggesting a broader context of conflict and disregard for civilian well-being that contributes to such incidents.

In light of these events, the AFC-M23 has urged relevant actors and mediators involved in efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the DR Congo to take serious note of the incidents. This call underscores the movement's belief that such attacks undermine peace initiatives and further destabilize the region.

The AFC/M23 reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians without discrimination. The movement declared its determination to establish an appropriate security perimeter, aiming to both prevent future threats and respond effectively to any further dangers faced by civilian populations and humanitarian operations.

This incident points to potential grave breaches of international humanitarian law by state-aligned forces, which could trigger international investigations or war crimes proceedings. Lawyers advising humanitarian organizations, NGOs, or companies operating in conflict-affected regions of DR Congo should assess heightened operational risks, potential legal liabilities, and the need for robust compliance with IHL principles.

Source: Original reporting via New Times