Strategic Congo City Airport Targeted in Drone Attack; M23 Rebels Blamed for Westernmost Strike
KINSHASA, Feb 2 (Reuters) – Congolese authorities reported that the airport serving the strategic northeastern city of Kisangani came under attack over the weekend, with eight explosive-laden drones intercepted before reaching their target. Officials swiftly blamed the AFC/M23 rebel group and its alleged backer, neighbouring Rwanda, for the assault.
If confirmed, the strike on Bangoka International Airport represents the furthest west the M23 has operated in its ongoing offensive against the government in Kinshasa, signalling a potential major escalation in the two-year conflict.
The provincial government of Tshopo stated the "kamikaze drones," carrying what it described as unconventional cluster munitions, were launched between early Saturday and Sunday. All were reportedly shot down, with no casualties or damage reported.
Located roughly 17 kilometers from central Kisangani, Bangoka Airport lies hundreds of kilometers from the active front lines in North and South Kivu. Since 2022, M23 has captured vast territories in the east, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu last year. Following Goma's fall, Kisangani has become a critical forward logistics and air operations hub for the Congolese military, housing jets and drones used in eastern counter-offensives.
"This is a brazen attempt to cripple our air capabilities and strike at the heart of our strategic resupply lines," said a regional security official on condition of anonymity. The attack has heightened fears that the conflict, largely contained to the eastern provinces, could spill deeper into the country.
The escalation comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts led by the United States and Qatar to broker a ceasefire. A key driver behind the international mediation is to stabilize the mineral-rich region, seen as crucial for global supplies of cobalt and other critical minerals powering the green energy transition.
M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma offered "no comment" on the allegations. The government of Rwanda, repeatedly accused by UN experts and Western nations of supporting the rebel group, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Congolese military spokespersons declined to elaborate when contacted by Reuters.
Reaction & Analysis:
"This attack on Kisangani is a game-changer. It's no longer a distant eastern conflict; it's a direct threat to the country's central logistical spine. The international community's cautious diplomacy is failing to contain this fire." – Jean-Luc Mambo, Security Analyst at Kinshasa-based Think Tank CICOS.
"While concerning, it's crucial to verify the capabilities and origins of these drones. Short-range models would imply a launch from within Congolese territory, raising complex questions about supply lines and local support networks." – Dr. Anya Petrova, Conflict Technology Researcher.
"Where is the global outrage? This is Rwanda's war by proxy, and the world watches as our cities are targeted. Kisangani is a symbol of our resilience, and this attack is a declaration that nowhere is safe. The government must act, not just issue statements!" – Marcelline Bakolo, Civil Society Activist in Kisangani.
"The timing is not coincidental. This tests the resolve of the Congolese military and the international mediators simultaneously. It pressures Kinshasa while potentially disrupting the critical mineral investment talks that hinge on stability." – Samuel Eto, Political Commentator.