The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has entered a new phase with the use of drones and heavy artillery in military operations against M23 rebels and allied groups, raising concerns over the future of regional peace efforts.
The Congo River Alliance (CRA), linked to M23, accused the Congolese government and Burundian forces of deploying “kamikaze drones” in South Kivu to strike areas near Uvira and surrounding villages.
The group alleged that populated zones were being targeted in violation of the ceasefire, warning that the strikes threatened to unleash “an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.”
The Congolese army (FARDC) dismissed the claims, but acknowledged intensifying operations against M23 and its affiliates.