Reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo indicate that Colonel Willy Ngoma, a leading figure in the Congo River Alliance and the M23 rebel movement, was killed in a drone strike allegedly carried out by government forces early Tuesday.
Local media outlets say the strike occurred in Rubaya, a strategic mining town in North Kivu province. According to those reports, Ngoma was among several people killed. The M23 movement has not formally confirmed his death. However, hours after news of the alleged strike emerged, the group posted a black image with a broken-heart emoji on its verified social media account.
Earlier in the day, M23 acknowledged that its positions had been targeted by drone attacks but did not provide details about casualties.
Sources familiar with developments in the region claim the operation was aimed specifically at Ngoma, who had become one of the movement’s most visible leaders. As the military spokesperson, he regularly addressed journalists and represented the group in public briefings. Beyond his communications role, he was widely regarded as a key strategist involved in military planning and political messaging.
The reported strike took place near Rubaya, an area rich in minerals that has frequently been at the center of clashes in eastern Congo.
Ngoma rose to prominence during M23’s renewed insurgency beginning in 2021, as the group extended its influence across parts of North and South Kivu. In January 2025, M23 forces seized Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, and later advanced into Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, reshaping the dynamics of the conflict. The group also moved toward Uvira in December 2025 before withdrawing amid growing international diplomatic pressure.
Ngoma’s role within the movement drew international attention. He was placed under sanctions by the United Nations Security Council and other bodies over allegations that he supported armed operations contributing to instability and human rights abuses in eastern Congo.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement detailing the outcome of the reported strike.