The airport was seized by M23 on February 14, 2025, when the group captured the town of Kavumu and its surrounding areas after fierce battles with the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allied militias.

Kavumu holds strategic importance in South Kivu, as it was previously used by the Congolese army to launch air operations against M23 positions. The airport had also been utilized by MONUSCO forces before their withdrawal in early 2024.

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Reports circulating on social media had claimed that FARDC, together with the Wazalendo militia and FDLR fighters, had recaptured Kavumu and its airport. These claims emerged after several failed attempts by FARDC to launch counteroffensives against M23, including air and drone strikes that did not achieve their intended objective.

AFC/M23 urged the public to ignore such “false propaganda” spread online, saying it was meant to mislead the public and demoralize supporters of the movement.

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Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the AFC/M23 coalition controlling much of North and South Kivu, recently accused the Congolese government of violating ceasefire agreements. Speaking to reporters in Goma following false rumors of his death, Nangaa warned: “If Kinshasa continues to undermine the peace talks, we will continue our march toward Kinshasa. No one should tell us to stop.”

Bertrand Bisimwa, who also attended the briefing, added: “We will now respond to any attack with equal force.”

Meanwhile, Congolese forces have continued their aerial and drone bombardments targeting AFC/M23 positions, as ground fighting intensifies across several areas in both Kivu provinces.