The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebel movement in eastern DR Congo is concerned by continued “systematic” human rights violations and breaches of an earlier set ceasefire agreement in territories it vacated in a goodwill effort to support peace processes. As such, the rebels vowed to neutralize any threat at its source in response to the ongoing attacks. COMUNIQUÉ OFFICIEL DE L’ALLIANCE FLEUVE CONGO (AFC/M23) DU 10 AVRIL 2025 pic.twitter.com/tBSlNGj5MW — Lawrence KANYUKA (@LawrenceKanyuka) April 10, 2025 The rebels seized Walikale on March 19 but later decided to withdraw from the town to enforce a unilateral ceasefire declared on February 22. The ceasefire, according to the rebels, was meant to support peace initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue and addressing the root causes of the conflict in eastern DR Congo. ALSO READ: AFC/M23 warns of retaliation if Congolese army attacks persist in Walikale In a statement released on X, AFC/M23 rebels on Thursday, April 10, accused the Congolese government army and allied forces of violating the ceasefire by taking control of Walikale. “The coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime, FARDC, FDLR, Mai-Mai/Wazalendo, and Burundi’s National Defense Forces—have occupied and looted the town of Walikale after we repositioned our forces as a goodwill gesture,” the statement reads. The rebels also condemned the coordinated attacks on Banyamulenge civilians in Minembwe, in South Kivu Province. According to their statement, the latest attacks were launched on April 8, from areas including Point Zero and Bilalombili, directly threatening the Banyamulenge community in Mikenke. In February, AFC/M23 Spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the Congolese government continued massacring civilians in Minembwe, Uvira, and surrounding areas in South Kivu Province, using attack drones guided by MONUSCO intelligence. Targeted attacks aimed at villages inhabited by unarmed Banyamulenge civilians continued throughout March, according to Moise Nyarugabo, a Congolese lawyer. In their latest statement, the rebels reported additional assaults targeting civilians in Walikale, Masisi, Walungu, and surrounding areas, including rebel-held positions. “Between April 8 and 10, 2025, attacks of genocidal character were launched from Rugezi against Banyamulenge populations,” the rebels said. “On April 10, deliberate assaults against unarmed civilians in Kivumu and Gahwera led to widespread destruction and looting of civilian property.” Despite the escalating violence, the rebel group reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern DR Congo, emphasizing its intent to protect and defend civilians.
