M23 Rebels Deny Losing Control of Kavumu Airport in Eastern DRC

The M23-led armed coalition AFC/M23 has refuted claims circulating widely on social media in Burundi alleging that rebel forces have been driven out of Kavumu airport, a strategic airfield located in South Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Kavumu holds significant military and logistical importance. It previously served as a major launch point for Congolese forces during operations against M23 positions. The airport was also used extensively by the UN peacekeeping mission in South Kivu before its withdrawal earlier this year.

Celebratory posts on Burundian pro-government networks claim the Congolese army (FARDC), along with Wazalendo militias and FDLR combatants, successfully recaptured the airport. The same online narratives further assert that the joint forces now control Kavumu town, situated roughly 25 kilometers from Bukavu, the provincial capital.

These assertions emerged following several failed offensive attempts by FARDC and its allied militias to dislodge the rebels. Multiple air and drone strikes targeting Kavumu were also reported in recent days, though many were intercepted by rebel defenses. Local activists say some of the strikes landed in civilian areas, causing casualties.

Reliable sources who spoke to UMUSEKE maintain that Kavumu airport remains firmly under the control of AFC/M23 fighters.

In a statement, the alliance dismissed the claims as deliberate misinformation. “Wazalendo and FARDC have no such capability,” said the AFC/M23 spokesperson, urging the public to be wary of propaganda circulating online.

Rebel Leaders Accuse Kinshasa of Violating Truce

Corneille Nangaa, leader of the AFC/M23 coalition which controls large portions of both North and South Kivu, recently accused the Congolese government of undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Speaking to journalists in Goma, Nangaa referenced false reports of his death spread primarily on Burundian social media as part of what he called psychological warfare.“If Kinshasa continues to sabotage peace talks, we will continue our march toward the capital,” he warned. “No one should expect us to stop.”

Senior rebel figure Bertrand Bisimwa echoed the threat, saying: “We will respond to any attack in full measure. If they strike, we strike back harder.”

Fighting Intensifies Across the East

FARDC continues to deploy aircraft and drones against rebel positions across the Kivu provinces, while ground clashes remain fierce in multiple contested zones.

AFC/M23 fighters have held Kavumu airport, the surrounding town, and nearby localities since 14 February 2025, after expelling FARDC and its allied groups.

As both sides trade accusations and escalate operations, civilians remain trapped in the middle of one of the region’s most volatile conflict zones.