Drone Strikes Intensify in Eastern Congo's South Kivu Amid M23 Offensive

Drone Operations Target South Kivu Amidst M23 Advance

The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen an escalation in military tactics, with pro-government forces deploying drones in South Kivu province. On Friday, November 21, 2025, drones attributed to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB) targeted the towns of Mikenge and Rwisankuku in the Mwenga territory. These strikes resulted in the destruction of several homes, though local sources have reported no fatalities.

Witnesses in Mikenge stated that a drone exploded near a camp for internally displaced people from the Banyamulenge community, causing material damage but no casualties. Another drone reportedly struck the Rwisankuku area, and a third was observed in the neighboring Walungu territory. Bombings also destroyed houses belonging to the Babembe community at an area known as 'Point Zero', with no deaths reported.

Accusations of Civilian Targeting and Broader Conflict

The use of drones by pro-government forces has drawn accusations from the Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23), a politico-military platform opposed to Kinshasa. In August 2025, the AFC/M23 alleged that the Congolese government and Burundian forces deployed 'kamikaze drones' in South Kivu to strike areas near Uvira and surrounding villages, claiming populated zones were being targeted in violation of the ceasefire. AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka also accused the DRC army and its allies of carrying out heavy drone and artillery strikes on civilians in Mikenke, the Minembwe highlands, and parts of Kalehe Territory, utilizing CH-4 drones. These August attacks were claimed to have caused 'considerable human losses' and forced displacement. Separately, FARDC drone strikes targeting M23 positions near Kalembe in October 2025 led to reports of casualties from residents.

The M23 offensive, an ongoing series of military operations since March 2022, continues to reshape the security landscape of the Kivus. The M23 and its allies have made significant advances, controlling the capitals of North and South Kivu, Goma and Bukavu respectively, along with several strategic mineral-rich areas since early 2025. The FDNB has deployed approximately 10,000 soldiers in eastern DRC to support the FARDC in these operations.

Humanitarian Concerns and Fragile Peace Efforts

The intensified fighting and drone activity contribute to a worsening humanitarian situation in eastern DRC. The conflict has led to mass displacement and destruction, with civilians bearing the heaviest burden. While a new peace framework agreement was signed in Doha on November 16, 2025, between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel movement, fighting has persisted. This agreement, mediated by Qatar with support from the United States, aims to create conditions for change, but both sides have accused each other of breaching previous conditions, and the deal remains fragile.