AFC/M23 Accuses the DRC of Preparing for Renewed Attacks despite Peace Principles Agreement

The spokesperson for the AFC/M23 coalition, Lawrence Kanyuka, has accused the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of continuing to prepare military offensives against the group, despite both sides having recently agreed on foundational principles aimed at a peace accord.

In a statement published on X (formerly Twitter) on July 20, 2025, Kanyuka claimed that while public attention is focused on the peace principles signed between AFC/M23 and the DRC government, Kinshasa is simultaneously deploying troops and heavy weaponry across various regions in the eastern part of the country.

“While everyone is focused on understanding the agreed-upon peace principles, the Kinshasa regime continues to dispatch its forces with heavy artillery to densely populated areas. They are also intensifying attacks in the mountains of Uvira, targeting the Banyamulenge community village of Rurambo,” Kanyuka said.

He further alleged that the offensives are being carried out by a coalition composed of the Congolese national army (FARDC), the FDLR militia, Mai-Mai groups, Wazalendo militias, and Burundian forces. These attacks, according to Kanyuka, have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and are worsening the already dire humanitarian situation.

On July 7, 2025, President Félix Tshisekedi reportedly ordered the deployment of 60,000 troops to eastern DRC a move interpreted as preparation for an all-out military campaign to retake Goma and Bukavu, cities currently under the control of AFC/M23.

AFC/M23 has strongly condemned this decision by Kinshasa, warning that such actions endanger civilian lives and could amount to crimes against humanity.

Kanyuka added that Congolese forces have been strategically positioned across various parts of South Kivu province, with reinforcements arriving from Pinga in Walikale, Lubero, and even Kisangani in Tshopo province, all aimed at launching coordinated attacks on AFC/M23 strongholds.