The African Union and the Eastern DRC Conflict: A Case of Selective Condemnation, Hypocrisy and Dangerous Silence

The African Union's statement on February 6th, 2026, condemning the destruction of Kinshasa's military drone command centre at Kisangani Airport by the AFC/M23 reignited deep concerns about the organization's selective narrative regarding the conflict in eastern DRC.

While the AU Commission quickly denounced the incident as a possible act of terrorism and a violation of international humanitarian law, it has remained conspicuously silent on the systematic bombardment of civilian areas by FARDC forces, documented drone strikes on markets and hospitals in AFC-controlled territory, and the decades-long collaboration between Kinshasa and the FDLR — a designated terrorist organization founded by architects of the 1994 Genocide.

The African Union's credibility as a peace-making institution depends on its capacity to apply its own standards consistently. Selective condemnation does not advance peace — it entrenches the conditions that produce conflict.