AU Condemns M23 Drone Attack on Kisangani Airport as Potential Terrorism

The African Union says a drone attack by the M23 rebel group on Kisangani airport in eastern DR Congo may constitute terrorism, as it endangered civilians and violated international law. The strike marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict. Peace efforts involving Qatar, the US, and Rwanda continue, and the UN will deploy a mission to help enforce the ceasefire.

The African Union (AU) has raised serious concerns over a drone attack carried out this week by the M23 rebel group on a civilian airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stating that the strike may constitute an "act of terrorism." The attack, which took place last weekend at the Kisangani airport in eastern DRC, was claimed by the M23 rebel group. The airport is not only used for civilian flights but also serves government forces, making it a sensitive and strategic location.
In a statement released on Friday via X, the AU condemned the attack, noting that it was "directed against an airport infrastructure located in a major urban centre and gravely endangering civilian populations," and described it as a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Officials highlighted that the M23 had previously not conducted strikes so far from areas under its control, making this incident a notable escalation in the conflict in eastern DRC.
"This attack may amount to an act of terrorism," the AU added, emphasizing the severity of targeting infrastructure in densely populated areas and the potential risk to civilian lives. The Kisangani airport strike comes amid a growing conflict in the region, where the M23 rebel group has seized significant territory since early 2025, challenging the authority of the Congolese government and heightening tensions along the eastern border.
According to the M23, the attack specifically targeted and destroyed "the military drone command centre installed at Kisangani airport," which the group claimed was used for operations against them. While the strike appeared focused on military infrastructure, the presence of civilian flights and the airport’s location within a populated urban center have raised international concerns over the safety of non-combatants and the potential for further destabilization.
Efforts to mediate peace in the region have been ongoing. Qatar has been acting as a mediator between the Congolese government and the M23 for several months, resulting in a commitment toward a ceasefire that was signed in July. In a parallel diplomatic effort, the DRC and Rwanda formalized a U.S.-brokered peace deal in December in Washington, aiming to reduce cross-border tensions and stabilize the area. Despite these agreements, the recent attack underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the continuing volatility in eastern DRC.
In response to the escalating situation, the United Nations announced that it will deploy a mission to the volatile region to help enforce the ceasefire and provide support for peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, stressing the need for restraint by all parties and adherence to international humanitarian law to prevent further civilian casualties and the escalation of conflict in the region.