Authorities in South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have issued clarifications regarding reports alleging that French military personnel are supporting the M23 armed group amid ongoing fighting in eastern Congo.
The claims, which circulated widely on social media and in political discussions, suggested that France could be involved in backing M23 operations as the group continues expanding its influence in parts of South Kivu.
However, South Kivu authorities stated that there is no concrete evidence confirming the presence of French troops alongside M23 forces or any direct military cooperation between them.
Officials called on the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could increase tensions in an already fragile security environment.
The alleged involvement of foreign actors in the conflict in eastern DRC has remained a highly debated issue. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, allegations that Kigali has denied, arguing that the conflict is linked to broader regional security concerns and the presence of armed groups operating in eastern Congo.
Meanwhile, regional and international actors have continued to call for dialogue and diplomatic solutions to address the long-running crisis.
South Kivu authorities emphasized the importance of responsible information sharing, warning that misinformation could worsen fear and instability among communities affected by the conflict.
