The Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) accuses the Kinshasa regime of serious ceasefire violations, while recalling its recent withdrawal from Walikale to promote peace initiatives in eastern DRC.
Are efforts to restore peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo at risk of being compromised?
The AFC/M23 issued a statement on Thursday, April 10, 2025, denouncing multiple human rights and ceasefire violations allegedly by the Kinshasa regime’s coalition forces. According to the AFC, coalition forces, including the FARDC, FDLR, Mai-Mai, Wazalendo, and Burundian troops, have
retaken positions in the Walikale, Masisi, and Walungu areas, in violation of their commitments.
The statement seen by APA, also highlights targeted attacks against the Banyamulenge in Minembwe, notably on April 8 and 10, in the areas of “Point Zero,” “Bilalombili,” Rugazi, Kivumu, and Gahwera, causing deaths, looting,and destruction.
The AFC/M23 calls for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reaffirms its commitment to protecting civilians, and warns against “false information” peddled by Kinshasa.
The document, signed by Bertrand Bisimwa, president of the AFC, was published from Goma. The rebel movement, which controls several towns in eastern Congo, announced on Wednesday
that its fighters were withdrawing from Walikale and surrounding areas in North Kivu, as part of the unilateral ceasefire declared on February 22, 2025.
This decision followed the joint declaration signed on March 18, 2025, in Doha between the DRC, Rwanda, and Qatar, under the auspices of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
At that summit, Presidents Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame committed to an immediate ceasefire.
In a March 22 statement issued from Goma, the AFC stated: “In an effort to foster conditions conducive to peace initiatives and political dialogue, the Congo River Alliance has decided to reposition its forces from Walikale and its surrounding areas.”
The FARDC acknowledged this withdrawal, stating that it would “vigilantly” observe the repositioning of AFC forces to the east of Kibati, while pledging to avoid offensive actions. However, both parties issued warnings: the AFC threatened to reverse its decision in the event of provocation, while the FARDC reserved the right to intervene in the face of any hostile act.
Elsewhere, Togo Monday welcomed, the African Union (AU) proposal to entrust President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe with leading mediation in the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda.
This followed the announced withdrawal of Angolan President Joao Lourenço from this
role.
Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey confirmed Gnassingbe’s availability to contribute to peace.
The pick, which still needs to be validated by the AU, is part of a multilateral effort including
the 2nd Joint Summit of the EAC and SADC, which designated five former African heads of state as facilitators for the crisis.
AC/fss/as/APA
