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A series of drone strikes has intensified the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with attacks reported on both rebel-held and government-controlled areas. A community radio station in South Kivu was hit twice in one month, and a separate strike wounded at least 25 civilians in a farming area near Goma. The escalating use of drones has drawn condemnation from the international community and raised concerns for the safety of civilians and journalists.
Coverage Comparison
Reports from Africa News and AllAfrica describe a conflict that has taken a dangerous new turn as drones become increasingly common weapons. The attacks have affected front-line areas and locations far from the battlefield, including a market and a radio station.
Africa News reported that a new wave of drone strikes hit both rebel-held and government-controlled areas, with multiple explosions targeting Bangboka airport in Kisangani. Officials suspect drone strikes, and nine blasts were reported between Sunday night and early Monday, according to local authorities. The attacks came amid ongoing fighting in the east, where the AFC/M23 movement accuses government forces of launching drone strikes on its positions.
A separate Africa News report focused on the impact on civilians, noting that a drone attack wounded at least 25 people in Mushaki, a farming area about 40 kilometres from Goma. Witnesses described the strike hitting a market, and the injured included a two-year-old girl, according to humanitarian sources cited by the outlet.
AllAfrica reported on the targeting of Radio Tuungane, a community radio station in South Kivu's Minembwe commune, which was struck by a drone on March 3 and 26. Journalists at the station told the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) that they had received death threats from government-allied militia, and the strikes damaged the building and equipment.
Key Claims
The reports present several key claims about the ongoing drone attacks:
- A drone strike hit Radio Tuungane, a community radio station in South Kivu province, twice in one month. This information was reported by AllAfrica, based on statements from three journalists at the station who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity.
- Journalists at the radio station received death threats from government-allied Wazalendo militia, according to AllAfrica. One journalist told CPJ that the authors of threatening messages said they would kill him, including through drone attacks.
- Over 60 journalists and media workers have been killed by drones since 2023, as reported by AllAfrica. The report noted that journalists are considered civilians under international law and their deliberate targeting can constitute a war crime.
- A new wave of drone strikes has hit both rebel-held and government-controlled areas, as reported by Africa News. The attacks included multiple explosions at Kisangani's Bangboka airport, with officials suspecting drone strikes.
- The M23 movement accuses government forces of carrying out drone strikes on its positions in North Kivu, including Rumangabo, Rubaya, and parts of Minembwe, as reported by Africa News. The group claims buildings were hit and civilians killed.
- A drone attack wounded at least 25 civilians in Mushaki, a farming area, according to humanitarian sources cited by Africa News. The injured were taken to Ndosho hospital in Goma.
- The international contact group for the Great Lakes region condemned the growing use of drones and the rising number of civilian victims, as reported by Africa News. The group includes Belgium, France, the United States, and the European Union.
Perspectives
The reports include multiple distinct viewpoints from parties involved in the conflict:
- M23/AFC Movement: The M23 movement, as reported by Africa News, accuses government forces of carrying out drone strikes on its positions. The group claims that buildings were hit and civilians killed in attacks on areas including Rumangabo, Rubaya, and parts of Minembwe.
- Government forces: While neither side has formally claimed responsibility for the latest strikes, both trade accusations. Government forces are reported to have acquired Turkish and Chinese attack drones to strike M23 positions, according to Africa News.
- International community: The international contact group for the Great Lakes region condemned the growing use of drones by various actors and the rising number of civilian victims, as reported by Africa News. The United States also denounced an attack without naming those responsible, according to Africa News.
- Journalists and civilians: Journalists at Radio Tuungane reported receiving death threats and described the drone strikes as targeting their station, as reported by AllAfrica. Civilians in Mushaki expressed fear of further attacks, with one wounded woman saying she worried a drone could strike again without warning.