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. This comes just four days after the rebels warned that violations of the ceasefire would jeopardize the Qatar peace process and vowed to respond to any attacks by the Congolese government and allied militias, such as the FDLR. 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. ALSO READ: AFC/M23 leader says Kinshasa attacks threaten Doha peace process 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. ALSO READ: AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa states four reasons why his movement is fighting Tshisekedi govt According to Kanyuka, the government forces deployed troops along the axes of Kindu-Shabunda, Kinshasa-Bujumbura, Kisangani-Walikale, and Kalemie-Uvira. He alleged that two boats carrying more than 1,100 combatants from government coalition forces reportedly docked on Sunday, August 10. “The Kinshasa regime is intentionally heightening tensions and undermining the ongoing peace process,” he said. ALSO READ: AFC/M23: DR Congo bombed aid plane after signing peace deal “These movements are accompanied by systematic attacks on densely populated areas, resulting in civilian casualties and mass displacements that exacerbate an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.” 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.”
