KINSHASA, DRC – The Congo River Alliance (AFC), a coalition of Congolese insurgent groups including the M23 rebels, has accused the government of breaching agreements aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Fighting has escalated in the volatile east this year, with M23 launching a major offensive that saw it seize control of the region’s two largest cities.
“We are obliged to inform the Congolese people and the international community of the successive violations of the ceasefire, which are hindering the principle agreement,” AFC leader Corneille Nangaa told reporters on Monday.
The accusations come just weeks after Kinshasa and the rebels signed a Qatar-mediated declaration of principles on July 19, committing to begin talks by August 8 and reach a deal by August 18. Both deadlines have since lapsed without progress.
Nangaa accused government forces and allied militias of carrying out attacks in South Kivu province and urged Qatari mediators, the African Union and the United Nations to press Kinshasa to respect its commitments.
He warned that the AFC would deliver an “appropriate response” to any fresh offensives.
The Congolese government has not responded to the claims.
On Saturday, President Félix Tshisekedi reiterated that his administration would only engage in dialogue “with Congolese who want to rebuild their country and emerge from the crisis,” a remark widely interpreted as ruling out talks with armed insurgents.
