African Union Condemns Kisangani Drone Attack as Conflict Spills Into Cities

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has condemned a recent drone attack on Kisangani Airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that the strike may be classified as an act of terrorism.

The attack, which occurred between late January and early February, was claimed by the AFC/M23 armed movement.

In a formal statement released Friday, February 6, 2026, Ali Youssouf expressed deepest concern over the targeting of a major urban center, noting that the expansion of hostilities to cities far from the traditional front lines marks a dangerous escalation in the region.

“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expresses his deepest concern and strongly condemns the drone attack carried out against Kisangani Airport, in eastern the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and claimed by the armed movement #AFC/#M23,” part of the AUC report read.

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A Violation of International Law

The Chairperson stated that this attack, directed against an airport infrastructure located in a major urban centre and gravely endangering civilian populations, constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.

“In the absence of objective evidence establishing the strictly military nature of the target, such infrastructure retains its presumption of civilian character,” the statement read, adding that the perpetrators and their sponsors may face individual criminal responsibility.

The statement further stated that, in light of the relevant instruments of the African Union, in particular the 1999 OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and its 2004 Protocol, the Chairperson considers that this attack may amount to an act of terrorism.

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Escalation Beyond the Front Lines

The Chairperson of the Commission calls on AFC/M23 to immediately cease all hostilities, to renounce the use of indiscriminate means and methods of warfare, and to strictly comply with the commitments undertaken within the framework of ongoing peace efforts.

He urges 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.

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African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf report condemning a recent drone attack on Kisangani Airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). PHOTO/AUC