In a communiqué released by Lawrence Kanyuka, Head of the Department of Communication, the armed group said the facility served as a central hub for the planning, coordination, and execution of drone operations, which it says were used in attacks against civilians as well as AFC/M23 positions in areas under its control.
The group said the drone strikes affected several territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including Masisi, Walikale, Rutshuru, Lubero, Kalehe, Mwenga, and Minembwe.
'The AFC/M23 will never stand idly by while innocent civilians are systematically targeted,' the communiqué said, warning that the group would act 'to neutralise these threats at their source' if such attacks continue.
The statement also called on the Kinshasa government to make what it described as 'an unequivocal choice between peace and war,' adding that 'if it chooses peace, it must strictly respect the ceasefire.'
The AFC/M23 further rejected any attempt by the government to shift responsibility for the attack, asserting that it carried out the Kisangani operation.
"The AFC/M23 carried out the operation in Kisangani. The Kinshasa regime is fully aware of the military equipment it abandoned at the airports of Goma and Kavumu and must also understand that the use of drones and mercenaries is neither exclusive to nor the sole prerogative of Kinshasa," the statement reiterated.
The group issued an appeal to the international community, urging immediate action to end abuses against civilians and to address impunity for alleged crimes.
"The AFC/M23 issues an urgent appeal to the international community to act without delay to put an end to the barbarity of the Kinshasa regime and to end impunity for crimes committed against civilians," the AFC/M23 stated.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
