At least 11 civilians were killed in overnight attacks in Kalehe terriory in DR Congo's South Kivu province, with AFC/M23 rebel movement accusing the government coalition of targeting local communities.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, March 24, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the attacks occurred during the night of March 23–24, by forces aligned with the Kinshasa government, including Wazalendo fighters.

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Kanyuka said five civilians were killed in Cumuyaga village and one person was seriously injured, while livestock was looted. In a separate incident in Bibatama village, six civilians were reportedly killed and another injured.

He accused the government of violating a ceasefire agreement singed in October 2025.

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Kanyuka said AFC/M23 remains committed to protecting civilians and their property in areas under its control.

The allegations come amid escalating tensions in eastern DR Congo, where the rebel group has repeatedly accused forces loyal to President Félix Tshisekedi of targeting civilian areas.

In recent days, AFC/M23 has also claimed that coalition forces, including the Congolese army (FARDC), Burundian troops, FDLR and Wazalendo militias have intensified the use of drone strikes in populated areas across South and North Kivu provinces.

On March 22, the group alleged that overnight drone attacks on villages such as Gakenke, Kalingi, and Minembwe caused civilian deaths, displacement, and destruction of property, describing the strikes as a "serious escalation” of the conflict.