The AFC/M23 rebel movement on Monday, August 11, accused the Congolese government of violating the ceasefire agreed upon during the Qatar-mediated peace talks on July 19,describing it as "a clear escalation strategy."

Maintaining a permanent ceasefire was among the key principles agreed upon in Doha where the two parties signed a document, forming the foundation for further negotiations to end the crisis that has plagued the country for three decades.

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In statement posted on X on Monday, AFC/M23 Spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka issued an "alert" the national and international community to the violations, saying that Kinshasa "continues its offensive military manoeuvres aimed at full-scale war, despite having signed the Declaration of Principles in Doha on July 19th, 2025.”

"Significant troop movements and military equipment deployments have been observed in Nzimbira, Mwenga, Bunyakiri, Kibuwa, Pinga, and Uvira. These deployments, which deliberately violate the ceasefire yet again, demonstrate a clear escalation strategy,” Kanyuka said.

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According to Kanyuka, the government forces deployed troops along the axes of Kindu-Shabunda, Kinshasa-Bujumbura, Kisangani-Walikale, and Kalemie-Uvira.

"The Kinshasa regime is intentionally heightening tensions and undermining the ongoing peace process,” he said.

He added the rebel movement, which has controlled the two largest cities in eastern DR Congo since early this year, "remains on maximum alert and reaffirms its commitment to protecting civilian populations and working toward a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.”