Senior M23 commander Colonel Willy Ngoma has reportedly been killed in a drone strike allegedly carried out by Congolese government forces in Rubaya, North Kivu province, according to multiple media outlets in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ngoma served as the military spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance and the March 23 Movement (M23), and was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures within the rebel movement. However, M23 has not officially confirmed his death. On its verified social media platforms, the group posted a black image accompanied by a broken-heart emoji hours after the alleged strike, while earlier statements acknowledged that its positions had come under drone attack without disclosing casualties.
The reported strike occurred in the early hours of Tuesday near Rubaya, a mineral-rich and strategically significant area that has remained a focal point of fighting in North Kivu. Sources familiar with the situation claim the attack specifically targeted Ngoma, who had become the public face of M23’s armed wing through frequent media briefings and public appearances. Beyond his communications role, he was considered a key strategist involved in shaping the group’s military planning and messaging.
Ngoma rose to prominence during M23’s renewed offensive in eastern Congo beginning in 2021, as the rebels expanded their territorial control across parts of North and South Kivu provinces. In January 2025, M23 fighters captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu, before advancing into Bukavu weeks later — developments that significantly shifted the balance of power in the conflict. The group later pushed toward Uvira in December 2025 but reportedly scaled back operations amid mounting international diplomatic pressure.
His influence attracted international scrutiny, and he was placed under sanctions by the United Nations Security Council and other global bodies over alleged involvement in armed activities linked to instability and human rights violations in eastern Congo. If confirmed, Ngoma’s reported death could mark a significant development in the ongoing conflict in the region, where tensions remain high despite diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
