AFC/M23 Warns as Ceasefire Tensions Rise

The government in Kinshasa and the armed group AFC/M23 are once again trading accusations over ceasefire violations, following intense clashes this week in North and South Kivu provinces.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Goma, M23 political leaders accused the Congolese government of rejecting peace efforts, warning that “from now on, every attack [from them] will be met with another attack.”

They claimed Kinshasa has shown “no genuine will for peace,” despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives.

In the capital Kinshasa, government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya strongly rejected those claims. Addressing the press on Thursday, he accused M23 of violating the ceasefire and targeting civilians.“We know who is violating the truce, and we know who is killing civilians in Goma and Bukavu,” Muyaya stated.

Local media reports say recent fighting between AFC/M23 and pro-government Wazalendo militias in Masisi and Walikale earlier this week forced many residents to flee their homes, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the east.

The resurgence of violence comes just weeks after peace talks in Doha, Qatar, where negotiators from both sides agreed to establish a monitoring mechanism for the truce signed in July. That agreement, however, has not been fully respected on the ground.

On Thursday in Goma, Corneille Nangaa, the political leader of AFC/M23, accused Kinshasa and its allies of blocking essential supply routes in Minembwe, creating hunger among civilians while continuing armed attacks.

He argued that the government’s actions prove it remains committed to a military solution. “Kinshasa continues to push for one option only, the option of war,” Nangaa told reporters.

He also alleged that government forces have conducted airstrikes in civilian areas, violating both international law and the ceasefire commitments, “all while hiding behind diplomatic rhetoric.”

Speaking from Kinshasa, Muyaya dismissed the group’s accusations as propaganda meant to mislead the public. “The goal of their narrative is to confuse people. We know the truth. We know who violates the ceasefire, who kills people in Goma and Rutshuru, who intimidates journalists,” he said.

Muyaya insisted the government remains focused on fulfilling commitments from talks in Washington and Doha, which include a prisoner exchange and a verified cessation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, in Washington this week, delegations from Kigali and Kinshasa met for the third time to discuss the dismantling of the FDLR rebel movement and Rwanda’s defensive measures along the border. Each government continues to accuse the other of supporting hostile armed groups.

Back in Doha, discussions are ongoing to resolve the root causes of the conflict. “We expect concrete conclusions,” Muyaya told journalists. “Do not be distracted by noise. You will continue to hear more.”

Eastern DR Congo remains on edge, with thousands displaced and hopes for lasting peace still uncertain.