In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 28, the rebel group claimed that government forces launched a 'comprehensive offensive across all front lines' at around 3:00 a.m., targeting densely populated areas in Kibati, Bibwe, Nyabiondo, Bukombo, and surrounding localities.
'The Kinshasa regime has escalated its flagrant violations of the ceasefire, operating with impunity both along and beyond the front lines,' read the communiqué signed by AFC/M23's Spokesperson Laurence Kanyuka.
The group accused the Congolese army of 'criminal barbarism' and 'orchestrated massacres,' adding that heavy artillery and combat drones were deliberately aimed at civilian areas.
According to the statement, the attacks have resulted in civilian deaths, including women and children, and triggered mass displacement.
'By sabotaging all international peace efforts, Kinshasa has made its intentions clear: it is waging a war against the Congolese people,' Kanyuka said, asserting that the group would 'exercise its right to self-defence' to protect civilians.
The allegations come just two weeks after representatives from both the DRC government and the AFC/M23 signed an agreement in Doha establishing a joint ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. The accord, facilitated by the State of Qatar, was hailed as a major step toward consolidating peace in the DRC's restive eastern provinces.
The Doha mechanism, signed on October 14, builds on the Doha Declaration of Principles of July 19, 2025. It outlines a structured process to monitor compliance with the permanent ceasefire, investigate alleged violations, and engage stakeholders to prevent renewed hostilities.
Tuesday's accusations now raise concerns about the fragility of the peace process and the durability of recent diplomatic gains. There are growing fears that renewed hostilities could derail ongoing international efforts to stabilise eastern DRC, where the AFC/M23 accuses the Kinshasa administration of marginalising and persecuting Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/afc-m23-accuses-kinshasa-of-ceasefire-violations-after-new-attacks
