The grenade attack, involving two explosives, targeted civilians attending a meeting organized by the AFC/M23 coalition at the public square known as 'Place de l'Indépendance' in Bukavu on February 27, 2025.
"President Tshisekedi strongly condemns this terrorist attack carried out by foreign forces present on Congolese soil," the DRC presidential office stated.
However, this statement has been interpreted by some social media users as an attempt to mislead the public, especially since evidence suggests that the Kinshasa government may have been involved in the attack.
AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka asserted that the attack was carried out under direct orders from South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, following instructions from President Tshisekedi. He claimed that many people, including the perpetrators, died during the incident.
Kanyuka further explained that on February 26, 2025, Purusi spread threatening messages across social media, reinforcing Tshisekedi's alleged plan to target civilians in Bukavu.
One of these messages reportedly indicated that February 27 would be a historic day, as members of the Wazalendo militia planned to assassinate AFC leader Corneille Nangaa during a meeting in Bukavu.
M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa reiterated that their initial investigation confirmed the grenades used in the attack were from Burundian forces operating in eastern DRC.
Reports circulating on social media suggest that individuals from both Burundi and DRC warned about the attack after learning of its advanced planning stages.
According to these sources, the objective was to assassinate Corneille Nangaa and other key leaders, which would destabilize the AFC coalition and instill fear among civilians who have generally coexisted peacefully with M23 and attended the meeting in large numbers.
It is alleged that the DRC government intended to use the attack to counter narratives from those claiming that life has improved in areas controlled by M23. Many locals have reported increased security since M23 took over the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
AFC/M23 announced that they have arrested two individuals linked to the attack and are actively pursuing others. The group also stated that they are implementing new measures to strengthen civilian security.
IGIHE
