FARDC denies community extermination claims in eastern DRC amid AFC/M23 identity politics
- Security
FARDC responds to AFC/M23’s inflammatory accusations
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have forcefully rejected allegations made by the AFC/M23 coalition regarding alleged persecution of the Banyamulenge community in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In a Monday statement signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay Mongba, acting FARDC spokesperson, the army accused the rebel movement of orchestrating a campaign of propaganda and disinformation designed to undermine Congolese institutions and divert attention from the coalition’s own responsibility in the ongoing conflict.
The FARDC statement categorically denied claims of massacres, exterminations, or targeted persecution of any Congolese community, calling them “completely unfounded”. The army emphasized that these accusations appear alongside documented reports from the United Nations and international human rights organizations that have recorded serious violations attributed to the AFC/M23 coalition, including summary executions, civilian killings, abductions, forced recruitment, sexual violence, and forced population displacements.
Rejection of identity-based manipulation
In their statement, the FARDC condemned what they described as “cynical attempts” by the AFC/M23 coalition to manipulate ethnic and linguistic identities to sow division among Congolese citizens. The army warned that this strategy aims to artificially pit populations in eastern DRC against their compatriots in other provinces, thereby weakening national cohesion to serve the coalition’s political and military objectives.
“This campaign seeks to artificially divide Congolese populations in eastern regions from their fellow citizens in other provinces, with the goal of undermining national cohesion and advancing the coalition’s political and military agenda. The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo remain a national, republican, and inclusive army composed of Congolese from all provinces of the country,” the FARDC stated.
The FARDC reiterated that civilians in eastern DRC bear the brunt of the conflict fueled by the AFC/M23 coalition and its allies. The army emphasized that its military operations are conducted in accordance with its constitutional mandate to protect these populations, ensure their security, and preserve national territorial integrity.
Warning against dangerous narratives
The FARDC issued a stern warning against any campaign that could compromise national cohesion, endanger civilian lives, or obstruct peace restoration efforts in conflict-affected areas. The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the army’s commitment to fulfilling its constitutional mission despite attempts at disinformation or manipulation aimed at weakening national resolve against aggression.
The FARDC’s response follows heightened tensions between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 coalition, as well as continued hostilities in eastern DRC. On June 18, AFC/M23 leaders accused the Congolese government of repeated ceasefire violations and highlighted a dire humanitarian situation in several localities across the South Kivu Highlands. AFC/M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa specifically accused President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of targeting the Banyamulenge community through drone strikes and efforts to challenge their Congolese citizenship.
