The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has denied reports that a major attack was being planned in Goma from its bases, including the Goma airport. This was stated in a press release issued on Sunday, April 13.
Following the attacks on AFC/M23 positions in the city of Goma on April 11, 2025, movement group claimed that the assaults were carried out by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), in coordination with local militias known as Wazalendo and soldiers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Although the attacks were successfully repelled, they left tensions brewing between the groups involved.
Three days later, on April 14, SADC issued a press release distancing itself from the allegations, stating clearly that it had no involvement in the April 11 attacks, and labeling AFC/M23’s statements as false and misleading.
This denial has deeply angered the leadership of AFC/M23, who consider the move as blatant disrespect and dishonesty. One senior official within AFC/M23, who spoke to us on condition of anonymity for security reasons, told us that SADC’s denial is “an insult to the truth and a betrayal of the trust they had earned.”
“It’s shameful for SADC to deny its involvement when we are the ones who hosted them in our strongholds in eastern Congo. If they are now calling our information lies, it means the trust is broken, and they must leave immediately as we initially requested.”
AFC/M23 reiterated that following SADC’s denial, there is no further negotiation or condition to be met the regional force must leave North Kivu without delay.
There are growing fears that this could escalate into renewed clashes, especially as AFC/M23 insists it will defend its positions using its own strength and protect itself against what it describes as “betrayal and foreign-backed attempts to prolong endless war.” We are still awaiting a response from SADC following AFC/M23’s latest statements.
MONUSCO described the information as unfounded rumors, emphasizing that no such operations had taken place nor had they been confirmed in any of its facilities. The statement warned that such allegations could have serious consequences, especially during this time of insecurity in North Kivu Province, where the M23 movement group continues to launch attacks and capture various territories.
The statement clarified that the intention behind such rumors is to tarnish the mission’s reputation, sow distrust among the population, and create fear among its staff and civilians. MONUSCO reiterated that its operations are carried out in line with the principles and mandates assigned by the United Nations Security Council, including the protection of civilians, support to the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), and efforts to restore peace in conflict-affected areas.
While MONUSCO and FARDC share certain bases, the mission explained that such arrangements are temporary and arise from exceptional circumstances, based on international law and human rights principles.
Currently, many areas surrounding the city of Goma are in danger due to the M23’s intensified assaults on FARDC positions. These developments have sparked debates and unrest, fueled by false information accusing MONUSCO of involvement in the insecurity. MONUSCO called on government and local authorities to be cautious with their statements and to play an active role in curbing the spread of unverified information.
