African Union Labels M23 Drone Attack on Congo Airport as Potential Terrorism
Kisangani, 6 February 2026
The African Union has condemned a drone strike by M23 rebels on Kisangani Airport in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, suggesting it may constitute terrorism under international law. Eight drones targeted the strategic airport, though all were reportedly intercepted. The attack marks a significant escalation as M23 claims to have broken government air superiority, threatening to target military aircraft from their bases.
AU Condemns Attack as Terrorism Under International Law
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed his deepest concern and strongly condemned the drone attack carried out against Kisangani Airport in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which was claimed by the Armed Forces of Congo/M23 (AFC/M23) rebel group [1]. The attack targeted airport infrastructure located in a major urban centre, gravely endangering civilian populations and constituting what the AU described as a serious violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution [1]. Under the 1999 OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and its 2004 Protocol, the AU considers that this attack may amount to an act of terrorism [1][2]. The AU emphasised that non-state armed groups cannot invoke any political, security or military justification to legitimise acts that target or endanger civilians or civilian infrastructure, warning that such acts may entail individual criminal responsibility for perpetrators and sponsors under applicable international law [1].
M23 Claims Air Superiority Breakthrough
The drone assault occurred over the weekend of 31 January to 1 February 2026, with eight drones targeting the strategic Kisangani airport, though provincial government sources reported that all were intercepted and shot down [3]. AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa claimed the attack demonstrated that the air superiority of the Congolese National Army had been broken and threatened to target any aircraft attacking rebel-held areas [3]. Senior AFC/M23 figure Bertrand Bisimwa warned that if Congolese military aircraft continue to operate over territory they claim is ‘liberated’ from government control, they will be destroyed directly from their bases [3]. The rebels stated that Kisangani is no longer safe for military operations against their forces, marking a significant escalation in their capabilities and territorial ambitions [3].
Regional Implications for Displacement and Security
The AU warned against the expansion of hostilities to cities far from the front lines, noting this constitutes a major factor of escalation and poses unacceptable risks to national and regional stability, as well as to the already critical humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo [1]. Since 2022, AFC/M23 has controlled key areas in North and South Kivu provinces [3], and since 2025, the group has expanded its control to include major cities such as Goma and Bukavu [3]. Nangaa accused the Congolese military of increased attacks in South Kivu since 22 January 2026, alleging the use of Sukhoi jets and drones against civilians in Minembwe [3]. This escalation in conflict dynamics directly affects displacement patterns and security conditions that influence repatriation decisions for Congolese refugees in camps across the region [GPT].
Peace Efforts Amid Labour Market Initiatives
Just one day before the drone attack, on 2 February 2026, the Congolese government and AFC/M23 agreed in Doha to allow the deployment of the first UN peace monitoring team [3]. The AU has called on AFC/M23 to immediately cease all hostilities, renounce the use of indiscriminate means and methods of warfare, and strictly comply with commitments undertaken within ongoing peace efforts [1]. The organisation urged all concerned parties to proceed without delay and in good faith with the full implementation of the Doha Agreement as an essential foundation for an effective ceasefire, lasting de-escalation and a return to political dialogue [1]. Concurrently, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya is hosting the East African Region Forum on Access to Labour Markets for Refugees in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, bringing together key stakeholders to address policy environments and legal frameworks that enable refugee employment, identify practical solutions to overcome barriers to labour market access, and establish mechanisms to ensure accountability and measure impact [4]. This forum represents efforts to translate principles of refugee rights into tangible employment opportunities that benefit both displaced populations and host communities, even as security conditions in eastern DRC continue to affect regional displacement patterns [4].