The ceasefire, facilitated by the State of Qatar, included commitments by both parties to remain within their respective zones of control, halt any further territorial advances, and cease hostilities to enable meaningful peace negotiations. The agreement was viewed as a critical step toward a broader peace accord.
However, in a statement issued on July 30, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that even before the ceasefire was formalised, the DRC government and its coalition forces had already deployed large numbers of Burundian troops to various locations in South Kivu Province, including Luvungi, Lubarika, Masango, and Kihumba.
Kanyuka detailed several incidents which he said amounted to deliberate breaches of the ceasefire. According to him, on July 18, coalition forces destroyed civilian homes, looted over 150 livestock in the Gahwera area, and sent reinforcements to areas such as Boko, Kabumbe, and Mukwezi, reportedly with the aim of encircling Bijombo and other villages home to members of the Banyamulenge community.
'On July 21, multiple attacks were launched in Kahororo, Dengu, and Buzeke within the Minembwe region. The following day, an assault occurred in Luke and surrounding areas of Masisi territory. On July 23, the densely populated area of Bukununu in Lubero was also attacked,' Kanyuka reported.
He went on to allege that on July 25, government troops attacked Luke, located in the Nyamaboko I groupement. The following day, on July 26, coalition forces reportedly carried out another offensive in Bitonge, escalating tensions further despite the ceasefire being in effect.
On July 29, Kanyuka said an attack targeted civilians in Minyanja and nearby areas. A shell struck a Fuso truck in Giseguro, approximately 17 kilometres from Kiwanja, resulting in the deaths of four civilians. He described this as one of the most recent and tragic violations.
According to Kanyuka, the most recent breach occurred on the morning of July 30, when DRC coalition forces allegedly launched yet another attack in Muheto, a densely populated area of Masisi. He stressed that these repeated military actions continue to cause significant civilian casualties and displacement.
He emphasised that such violations undermine the credibility of the DRC government's commitment to the peace process.
While reaffirming AFC/M23's willingness to resolve the conflict through political dialogue, Kanyuka warned that the group also bears the responsibility of protecting civilians and would take decisive action to neutralise any security threats.
'AFC/M23 remains committed to peace but cannot stand by as civilians are attacked. We have a duty to defend our people,' he stated.
Despite the ceasefire signed on July 19, AFC/M23 accuses the DRC government of demonstrating bad faith and continuing military operations in violation of the agreed terms.
IGIHE
