The military spokesperson of the March 23 Movement, widely known as M23, has been killed in what sources describe as a targeted drone strike carried out by Congolese government forces in eastern Congo.
Rebel and diplomatic sources confirmed that Willy Ngoma, who served as the group’s chief spokesperson and a senior military figure, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning following an aerial attack near Rubaya in North Kivu province.
The strike reportedly occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. local time.
Witnesses in the area described hearing a loud explosion before dawn, followed by heavy security activity.
Rubaya, located in Masisi territory, is strategically significant due to its vast coltan deposits, a mineral critical to global electronics manufacturing.
Security analysts say the operation appeared to be highly targeted, suggesting improved surveillance and intelligence capabilities by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
While the Congolese military has not issued an immediate public statement, multiple regional sources attribute the strike to government forces.
Ngoma was among the most visible figures within M23, frequently addressing the press and issuing battlefield updates.
His death represents a significant blow to the group’s communications structure and may affect its coordination in ongoing military engagements.
The incident comes amid fragile ceasefire discussions aimed at stabilizing eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Despite mediation efforts, fighting has continued in several contested areas, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
Observers warn that the killing of such a high-profile figure could escalate hostilities, potentially triggering retaliatory operations.
