In a statement signed on Wednesday by Lawrence Kanyuka, the movement's spokesperson, AFC/M23 strongly condemned what it called 'yet another violation of the ceasefire perpetrated by the Kinshasa regime,' which it said continues to disregard the Doha peace process.
According to the group, between Tuesday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 27, 2025, coalition forces comprised of the Congolese army (FARDC), FDLR militia, Wazalendo militias, foreign mercenaries, and Burundi's National Defence Force attacked densely populated areas of Kadasomwa and its surroundings.
On Wednesday, August 27, the same forces allegedly launched a widespread offensive against Banyamulenge villages in Rugezi, Minembwe, in the Fizi highlands.
AFC/M23 reported that the attacks killed and displaced many civilians, creating what it called 'an unprecedented humanitarian crisis,' and said its forces were compelled to intervene to protect 'defenceless civilians.'
'These successive attacks are part of an ethnic cleansing campaign against our compatriots Banyamulenge, perpetrated in complicity with the Burundian army and in broad daylight.
"They were planned and executed by the people who enjoy total impunity and tacit acquiescence at national and international levels, including within institutions dedicated to upholding human rights,' the statement read.
The group further criticized what it described as the 'complicit silence' of the national and international community in the face of such violence.
AFC/M23 reaffirmed its 'unwavering commitment to defend and protect civilian populations from this existential threat, whatever its source.'
The reported violations come amid ongoing efforts to secure a lasting solution through the Qatar-brokered peace process, which led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles on July 19, 2025.
However, Kinshasa has been accused of undermining these efforts by fueling discord through continued attacks in violation of the agreed ceasefire.
IGIHE
