The whereabouts and condition of Emmanuel Sultani Makenga remained unclear on Wednesday following a deadly drone strike that killed the M23 military spokesperson in Rubaya, North Kivu.

A precision strike in the early hours of February 24 targeted a secured residence on Kasuku farm in Rubaya, Masisi territory, an area widely known for its coltan mining operations. According to multiple local sources, the attack killed Willy Ngoma and at least eight others, including senior rebel figures and bodyguards, in what observers describe as a significant blow to the group’s command structure.

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been linked to the strike, although the Wazalendo militia later claimed responsibility, saying the operation was a response to an alleged planned offensive by M23 forces.

Reports suggest that Makenga had arrived in Rubaya only hours before the strike, raising speculation that the attack may have targeted top commanders. While M23 has not officially confirmed his condition, local outlet Kivu Media reported that he was critically injured and evacuated for treatment. Wazalendo fighters also claimed he fled from the Mater Dei Catholic parish in Matanda, though they did not confirm whether he was wounded or alive.

M23 has so far maintained silence on the matter. Its official channels posted only a black image accompanied by a broken-heart emoji. Meanwhile, the group’s political leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, shared a brief message honouring “heroes” of the revolution, a statement widely seen as symbolic but lacking clarity on the incident.

Where and why it matters

Rubaya remains one of M23’s most strategic strongholds, contributing an estimated 15 percent of the world’s coltan supply. Control of the area offers significant financial and logistical advantage in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s long-running conflict.

The strike comes at a delicate moment, as ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar continue, with reported involvement from the United States and the African Union in monitoring efforts. Despite these diplomatic engagements, FARDC sources indicate that military operations against rebel positions in North Kivu are ongoing.

Military analysts believe the strike followed weeks of intelligence gathering. Its timing, shortly after the reported arrival of senior M23 figures, has intensified speculation that the group’s high command was deliberately targeted.

Who is Makenga?

Born on December 25, 1973, in Rutshuru, North Kivu, Makenga rose to prominence with the formation of M23 in 2012. As the group’s military commander, he has overseen key battlefield operations and strategic expansion, including the capture of major towns in North and South Kivu during renewed offensives in 2025.

His leadership has placed him among the most influential and controversial figures in the region’s conflict, shaping both military outcomes and political dynamics in eastern Congo.

What next?

By Wednesday, the situation in Rubaya was described as tense but relatively calm. Gunfire had largely subsided, but uncertainty over Makenga’s fate continued to fuel speculation across social and local media.

The incident could prove to be a turning point in the conflict, with potential implications for both battlefield strategies and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Until M23 confirms whether its military chief survived the strike, uncertainty will continue to hang over an already fragile ceasefire.