In a statement released on Tuesday, the rebel group reaffirmed its commitment to a political resolution of the ongoing conflict but condemned what it described as the Kinshasa regime's 'reckless and provocative actions.'
The AFC/M23 says that despite a unilateral ceasefire declared on February 4 and reaffirmed on February 22, the Congolese military (FARDC) and its coalition forcesâ€"including the FDLR, Wazalendo militias, and Burundi's National Defence Force (FNDB)â€"are reorganizing for full-scale war.
According to the group's spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, heavy military activity has been observed in conflict zones such as Rusizi Plain, Walikale, Masisi, and Lubero, where reinforcements and military supplies continue to be deployed.
The rebel movement also accused the Kinshasa government of launching targeted attacks against defenceless communities.
On February 25, drone and fighter jet strikes hit villages in Minembwe, including Irundu and Nyarujoka, causing destruction and terror among civilians. Meanwhile, in Uvira town, Kanyuka reported an escalation in the persecution of the Banyamulenge community, citing arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and acts of violence.
AFC/M23 strongly condemned the human rights violations, denouncing what it called the 'selective stance' of the international community in addressing the crisis.
The group warned that continued attacks on civilians would escalate tensions, undermine regional peace efforts at the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) levels, and hold the Congolese government responsible for any further deterioration of the situation.
'We urge regional leaders working towards a ceasefire to take immediate action and hold the Government of the DRC accountable for its reckless and provocative actions,' the statement read.
The Congolese government has yet to respond to AFC/M23's allegations. However, President Tshisekedi's administration has previously maintained that he won't dialogue with the group, complicating efforts to find a lasting solution to the security situation in eastern Congo, where the fighters accuse the government of decades of marginalisation and persecution against Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
The crisis has deteriorated in recent months, leading to the capture of Bukavu and Goma, key cities in the South and North Kivu provinces.
IGIHE
