M23 Claims Drone Attack on Kisangani Airport in DRC

The Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes the M23 rebel group, has claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting Kisangani Bangoka International Airport in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to statements released by rebel leadership.

The attack occurred over the weekend of February 1-2, 2026. Rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the operation, stating that the AFC/M23 “carried out the destruction of a military command centre” located at the airport facility. Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa further described the assault as a decisive act, declaring, “The use of Kisangani as a platform for projecting terror against our territories is now prohibited. The sanctuary of this rear base is over.” He framed it as a warning that marked the end of the Congolese army’s assumed “air superiority” in the region.

Prior to the rebel claim, provincial authorities in Tshopo reported that eight kamikaze drones were deployed against the airport but were intercepted and shot down before they could strike their target. Local officials attributed the attack to the M23 and its allies, specifically accusing Rwanda of supporting the operation. Kisangani, situated approximately 17 kilometers from the city center, is a critical logistical hub. The rebels assert it serves as a primary base for military operations and supply lines supporting attacks on rebel-controlled territories and civilian populations in the volatile east.

This incident represents a significant escalation in the long-running conflict in eastern DRC. The M23, which overran the major eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025, has consolidated control over substantial territory in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The claim of responsibility for an attack on a major airport deepens concerns about the rebels’ growing military capability and reach, challenging the government’s control over its airspace and strategic infrastructure.

The drone assault underscores the persistent instability and asymmetric warfare tactics plaguing the region. It also highlights the complex regional dimensions of the conflict, with Kinshasa regularly accusing Kigali of backing the M23—a charge Rwanda denies. The event is likely to heighten tensions and could prompt further military and diplomatic responses. The fate of Kisangani, a key economic and transport center, remains a critical factor in the broader struggle for control of eastern Congo.

Additional sources • Reuters, RFI, AA