A regional diplomat, a senior rebel official, and a Western adviser to the Congolese government confirmed that Ngoma was killed on Tuesday in eastern Congo, where fighting between M23 rebels and government forces has intensified in recent months.

The reported strike marks a significant blow to the M23 leadership structure. Ngoma had served as the public face of the rebel movement’s military operations, frequently issuing statements and updates regarding clashes with Congolese forces.

The Congolese army has increasingly deployed drone technology as part of its counterinsurgency strategy in the mineral rich eastern provinces, where armed groups have operated for decades. Officials have not released detailed operational information about the strike, but security sources say it targeted a rebel position believed to be hosting senior commanders.

The M23 rebel group, which re-emerged in 2021 after years of dormancy, has captured significant territory in North Kivu province, sparking regional tensions and accusations of foreign backing allegations that have further strained diplomatic relations in Central Africa.

Analysts say the killing of Ngoma could impact M23’s communication strategy but may not immediately halt its military activities, as the group maintains a structured command hierarchy.

Fighting in eastern Congo has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis in the region.

The remarks come as fighting has sharply escalated in South Kivu province, where regional officials say more than 400 civilians have been killed in recent weeks. The M23 rebels have seized strategic territory, including parts of the key city of Uvira, with Congolese and regional authorities alleging the presence of Rwandan Special Forces in the area claims Kigali has previously denied. The eastern Congo region, rich in critical minerals used in global technology supply chains, has long been plagued by armed groups and cross-border tensions.

The U.S.-brokered peace deal was intended to de-escalate hostilities between Congo and Rwanda, whose relations have been strained for years over allegations that Rwanda supports M23, a claim supported by UN experts but rejected by Rwanda. The renewed violence threatens to destabilize Central Africa further, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. U.S. officials warned that continued violations could trigger diplomatic or economic consequences as Washington pushes for accountability and a return to negotiations.