Former Ugandan military officer David Sejusa has weighed in on reports that commanders of the M23 rebel movement were killed in a drone strike in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, warning that such an attack during a ceasefire could amount to a violation of international humanitarian law.
Reports circulating from the conflict zone indicate that Willy Ngoma, the spokesperson of the March 23 Movement (M23), may have been killed in the strike.
While confirmation remains limited, Sejusa said the development raises serious legal and diplomatic questions if it occurred while ceasefire terms were in force.
In a detailed commentary, the retired general cited the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and International Humanitarian Law, which prohibit hostile actions during a ceasefire.
He argued that killing, attacking, or capturing enemy personnel during such a truce undermines the principle of good faith that underpins negotiated pauses in fighting.
Sejusa contended that if the strike occurred during a declared ceasefire, it would not qualify as lawful combat action but rather a targeted assassination.
He further suggested that such an act could constitute a fundamental breach of international humanitarian law.
According to Sejusa, parties that feel aggrieved by violations of a ceasefire have limited options.
These include abandoning ceasefire terms and retaliating, escalating military operations beyond the scope of negotiations, or pursuing war crimes charges against those responsible under international legal frameworks.
The reported incident comes amid fragile efforts to stabilise eastern Congo, where multiple armed groups continue to operate despite regional mediation efforts.
Sejusa also framed the issue within an African cultural context, arguing that ceasefire violations erode trust and contradict traditional norms of honour in conflict resolution.