DR Congo govt forces launch attacks on multiple fronts against AFC/M23 troops
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
DR Congo's government forces launched a multi-front offensive against the AFC/M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo, utilizing drones to target strategic mining areas controlled by the rebels. The attacks, concentrated near Rubaya, a key coltan mine producing 15-30% of global supplies, were particularly intense following a drone strike that hit the area the day before. Coltan is crucial for electronics production, making the conflict over resource-rich territories highly significant.
The resurgence of the AFC/M23, backed by Rwanda, has escalated tensions in the region since 2021. The rebels captured Rubaya mine in April 2024, setting up a parallel administration to manage operations there. This has deepened an ongoing conflict that spans over three decades, involving numerous armed groups and foreign powers vying for control of DR Congo's abundant mineral resources.
The offensive also targeted areas near Uvira, a strategic town in South Kivu province, despite international condemnation from the US and Angola, who had proposed a ceasefire. Local militias supported by Congolese soldiers made gains, capturing Kazinga village northwest of Rubaya. However, the AFC/M23's superior equipment and Rwandan backing have left Kinshasa forces outmatched on the ground.
Kinshasa has relied on long-range drones, supplied by China and Turkey, to gain an advantage in the skies, as well as foreign paramilitaries to bolster their efforts. Despite these measures, the conflict remains unresolved, with residents reporting fear and uncertainty amid ongoing violence. The humanitarian toll is high, with phone networks disrupted and access to affected areas severely limited.
The clash highlights the broader struggle for control over DR Congo's natural resources, which has drawn in multiple armed groups and foreign powers. This intricate geopolitical dynamic underscores the stakes involved in the region's stability. For readers interested in global politics and resource conflicts, this situation represents a critical intersection of military strategy, economic interests, and humanitarian concerns in one of Africa's most volatile regions.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/25/2026