AFC/M23 deputy coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa has said mediators in the Doha peace process need to hold Kinshasa accountable for failing to implement commitments it has made. ALSO READ: Bisimwa condemns ‘indifference’ of mediators amid Kinshasa’s attacks Speaking in Goma on Thursday, June 18, Bisimwa said mediators had remained silent despite what he described as repeated failures by the Congolese government to implement agreements reached during negotiations. We asked the mediators to simply name even one commitment that Kinshasa is honoring; there isn't a single one, Bisimwa said. The Qatar-facilitated peace process was launched in April 2025 to bring AFC/M23 and the Congolese government to the negotiating table and address the root causes of the conflict in eastern DR Congo. The parties have since agreed on prisoner releases, a ceasefire and allowing humanitarian access in the conflict areas. However, implementation of these has largely failed. AFC/M23 subsequently accused Kinshasa of failing to honour the commitment to the ceasefire and prisoner release agreement, even as the movement released thousands of government soldiers at different occasions. ALSO READ: DR Congo: Deadline elapses for prisoner release A ceasefire monitoring mechanism established in April has eyt to be operationalised. Information obtained by The New Times indicates that members of the ceasefire monitoring team, including representatives from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), MONUSCO and AFC/M23, are already set in Goma. However, Kinshasa's representatives have yet to be identified and deployed, delaying implementation of the mechanism. ALSO READ: AFC/M23 releases 5,000 FARDC soldiers captured on the battlefield Bisimwa argued that mediators have failed to acknowledge these shortcomings. We signed ceasefire agreements that were never implemented, he said, “The mechanism exists, but the ceasefire itself never existed. The war has never stopped since it began. According to Bisimwa, the movement has repeatedly written to mediators about Kinshasa's violations and delays but has received little response. When we sign a protocol regarding the release of prisoners and we honor those commitments, releasing so many prisoners, yet on Kinshasa's side, there is absolutely nothing, he added. ALSO READ: Congolese lawyer questions mediators’ silence amid attacks against Banyamulenge He accused mediators of shielding Kinshasa from accountability. But when sanctions come, they fall upon those who honor their commitments, whereas those who do not are treated like heroes, are coddled, are treated like pampered babies who must be protected and babysat. “We say this is unfair. There will come a time when the AFC/M23 will decide to reject the mediation,” Bisimwa said, “But we are not there yet.” “But we are stating it. There will come a time when we shoulder our responsibilities.” Despite his criticism, Bisimwa said the movement still believes a negotiated settlement remains the best path forward. We continue to believe that this crisis can only be resolved through the path of peace. Bisimwa also questioned what he described as a shift in the mediation architecture surrounding the talks. When we began the process, it was Qatar that was considered the mediator, and today Qatar has become terrible, and now the Americans have imposed themselves as mediators, he said. So, both mediators, given the whole situation surrounding us, when we appeal to them, remain passive. 'What is happening in Minembwe is genocide' Bisimwa also used the media briefing to draw attention to the situation in Minembwe, South Kigu, where fighting involving the Congolese government coalition has intensified in recent months. The area has faced a prolonged humanitarian crisis since late 2025 following a blockade that restricted the movement of people, food, medicine and other essential supplies. ALSO READ: Banyamulenge protest in US, Kenya amid rising calls for action on Minembwe crisis Human rights groups, community leaders and residents have raised concerns about the government-led attacks targeting civilians, particularly within the Banyamulenge community. Fighting alongside the Congolese army are Burundian forces, FDLR and Wazalendo militias as well as foreign mercenaries. ALSO READ: Banyamulenge take Burundi govt to court over abuses in Minembwe What is happening in Minembwe is genocide because it involves the massacre of civilians based on their ethnicity, their physical appearance and the language they speak, he said. Those being killed are innocent people. They are defenseless individuals. They are victims of this massacre simply because of who they are. He argued that residents had already suffered months of deprivation before the latest attacks. Before this current massacre took place, these people had already been killed by hunger, he said. There was a blockade around Minembwe preventing any supplies from reaching the area, including food and basic necessities. That is why we say that the primary victims of this war are our civilian populations. His remarks come as members of the Banyamulenge community continue to call for international intervention amid reports of ongoing attacks, displacement and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the area.
