The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has confirmed the death of its spokesperson, Lt Col Willy Ngoma, who was killed during a military operation conducted by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in Rubaya, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a statement released on Saturday, the rebel coalition accused the Congolese government of breaching an existing ceasefire arrangement, arguing that the continued offensives had effectively reignited hostilities.
AFC/M23 alleged that drone strikes by government forces have intensified in recent days, claiming they have resulted in civilian casualties as well as the deaths of its combatants, including Ngoma. The group said he was killed on February 24, 2026.
Ngoma had served as the public face of the movement, frequently addressing the media on military developments and political demands.
The coalition reiterated that its stated objective remains the protection of civilians and the “liberation” of territories it says are under threat, signalling that fighting in the mineral-rich eastern region could escalate further.
