Mutual accusations between Congo's government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels over recent drone strikes and clashes have undermined fragile ceasefire efforts. A drone strike in Goma killed a French U.N. staffer, and earlier attacks killed an M23 spokesperson, while thousands have been newly displaced. ACLED data attributes roughly 60 drone strikes to the Congolese military in 2026, and the violence complicates peace talks and humanitarian access.
Drone Strikes and Clashes in Eastern Congo Undermine Ceasefire and Strain Peace Efforts
A U.N peacekeeper guards a house hit by a drone strike in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
GOMA, Congo — Mutual accusations between the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement threaten to derail fragile efforts to end decades of violence in eastern Congo. Recent drone strikes, deadly clashes and the discovery of mass graves have deepened humanitarian distress and cast doubt on diplomatic initiatives intended to stabilize the region.
Renewed Violence Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Two parallel diplomatic tracks — a high-profile agreement brokered in part by former U.S. President Donald Trump and separate talks supported by Qatar and other partners — have so far failed to halt fighting. Observers say both tracks are now under strain after a string of drone strikes and continued ground confrontations.
Deadly Drone Strikes and Frontline Clashes
On Tuesday, a drone strike that the M23 blamed on Congolese forces killed a French United Nations staffer in the strategic city of Goma. That strike came less than a month after another drone attack that killed the M23's spokesperson and wounded several others.
Residents report ongoing clashes between M23 fighters and Congolese troops, sometimes involving the local Wazalendo militia, leading to fresh displacement in recent weeks.
Lawrence Kanyuka, M23 spokesman: 'We remain willing to pursue peace talks if Congo's army refrains from attacking our positions and assassinating our leaders, soldiers, and innocent civilians.'
Patrick Muyaya, Congolese government spokesman: 'Authorities are investigating the strike that killed the French aid worker. We reaffirm our commitment to respecting the ceasefire and other agreements.'
The Associated Press said it could not independently verify all reports from affected localities. Officials and humanitarian groups warn that recent attacks and the discovery of mass graves have further complicated an already fragile peace process.
Humanitarian Impact and Data on Drone Use
The conflict in eastern Congo has produced one of the world's largest humanitarian emergencies, with at least 7 million people displaced. Researchers at the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) report that at least 60 drone strikes have been attributed to the Congolese military in 2026, while less than 5% of regionwide drone strikes over the past year have been attributed to rebel forces.
Amnesty International campaigner Christian Rumu warned that civilians continue to suffer: 'You still have people losing their lives to this crisis, and you still have displacement. Heavy artillery has been used on densely populated areas throughout the conflict since 2021, and we see that in the latest attack in Goma.'
These developments complicate humanitarian access and diplomatic momentum even as international partners urge renewed negotiations.
Reporters: AP writer Saleh Mwanamilongo contributed to this report. Adetayo reported from Lagos, Nigeria.
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