AFC/M23’s deputy coordinator Bertand Bisiimwa has denounced a ‘humanitarian blockade’ imposed by Congolese government forces on Minembwe, South Kivu, despite renewed peace talks between two sides in Doha. In a post on X on Monday, February 2, Bisiimwa said Kinshasa was “taking advantage of our withdrawal from Uvira” to carry out “selective massacres” in Minembwe just one day after the Qatar-mediated negotiations resumed. ALSO READ: AFC/M23 delegation in Doha for new round of peace talks The rebel leader accused Kinshasa of “cynicism and bad faith.” Negotiators of the AFC/M23 movement and the Congolese government returned to Doha, last week for another round of talks aimed at addressing the crisis in eastern DR Congo. The condemnation adds to the shutdown of internent and telephone networks in Uvira and surrounding areas imposed by Kinshasa since January 21, to “hush up its own abuses,” according to the rebels that now control large territories in eastern DR Congo. ALSO READ: Looting, displacement reported in Uvira hours after AFC/M23 withdraw Following the November 15 Peace Framework Agreement signed in Doha, which contains eight key protocols addressing the root causes of the conflict, the rebels have repeatedly condemned what they describe as the Kinshasa regime’s violations of its commitments through ceasefire violations. According to the rebels, following declaration of unilateral ceasefire on December 15, FARDC and its allied forces including Burundi forces, Kinshasa-backed FDRL militia have been carrying out intensified operations with continious drone and fighter-jets strikes targeting civilian areas. AFC/M23 reiterated that they withdrew from Uvira at the request of mediators and also to give “full chance the mediation process.” ALSO READ: How Burundian troops in South Kivu sparked a distinct humanitarian crisis amid DR Congo’s wider war The rebels have also long blamed the ongoing humanitarian crisis on Burundian troops in South Kivu, which they say have targeted Banyamulenge communities and cut off essential supplies.
