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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Conflict & Security

DR Congo Army Downs Rebel Drone in Eastern Province

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Congolese army (FARDC) claims to have shot down an explosive drone attributed to Rwandan forces and M23 rebels.
  • The drone was downed in Ruyengo, Fizi territory, in the eastern South Kivu province.
  • The FARDC stated they thwarted rebel attacks and are committed to defending territorial integrity and protecting civilians.

The Congolese army (FARDC) announced on Thursday, August 20, 2026, that it had successfully neutralized an explosive drone in Ruyengo, located in the Fizi territory of South Kivu province. The FARDC spokesperson, Second Lieutenant Reagan Mbuyi, stated that the drone was operating on behalf of the RDF/M23 and their allies, Twirwaneho/Red-Tabara.

This incident occurred around 8 a.m. and followed FARDC's efforts to thwart several rebel attacks on their positions in the Fizi highlands. Lieutenant Mbuyi urged the local population to remain calm, assuring them that loyalist forces are dedicated to safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of civilians.

This is not the first time the FARDC has reported downing such an aircraft. On Monday, April 27, 2026, the army announced the downing of another drone belonging to the Rwandan army. That drone, according to the FARDC, was on a reconnaissance mission over the Point Zéro area, aiming to identify FARDC positions before engaging targets. The army stated it had shot down a second Rwandan army drone in two weeks on April 25, 2026.

The FARDC have shot down a second drone of the Rwandan army in two weeks. It was flying over the Point Zero area to carry out reconnaissance of FARDC positions before reaching its targets.

— FARDC SpokespersonDescribing a previous drone incident on April 25, 2026.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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