The Congo River Alliance (AFC) is accusing the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) military of launching an attack that killed four civilians near Goma, just as regional bodies like the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are increasing their diplomatic efforts to bring peace to the eastern DRC.
Early on Monday, August 25, 2025, the AFC claimed that the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), with support from other armed groups, carried out attacks in and around the towns of Kibati, Munigi, and Goma. The rebel group alleges these incursions resulted in the deaths of four civilians and left three others seriously injured.
AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka called the attacks “war crimes and crimes against humanity,” urging international human rights organizations to investigate and condemn the Kinshasa government. Kanyuka also accused the Congolese government of violating the Doha Declaration by refusing to release prisoners and increasing death sentences for those accused of ties to the AFC, citing former President Joseph Kabila as a potential target.
In response to the escalating violence, the EAC and SADC are stepping up their diplomatic engagement. At a recent summit, leaders formalized a plan to merge their mediation efforts into a unified structure with a joint secretariat in Addis Ababa. Former Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi was appointed to the new Panel of Facilitators. The SADC also took the opportunity to commend its mission members in the DRC and condemned what it called “misinformation” surrounding their deployment.
These diplomatic efforts are taking place amidst heightened tensions. The Congolese government recently reacted strongly to Nairobi’s announcement of a new Consul General in Goma, calling the decision “inappropriate” given the M23/AFC’s occupation of the city. Kinshasa reiterated that any consular appointments must receive its prior approval to avoid “legitimizing the ongoing occupation.”
Both the AFC/M23 and the FARDC have accused each other of committing violence and have disputed the findings of recent UN reports. The AFC/M23 has called for the UN report to be withdrawn and for an independent investigation, while continuing to claim its commitment to protecting civilians.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA