The Congo River Alliance (AFC), a coalition of Congolese insurgent groups that includes the powerful M23 rebels, has accused the government of President Felix Tshisekedi of undermining peace efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, AFC leader Corneille Nangaa said the government had repeatedly violated commitments made under a ceasefire and was responsible for the escalation of violence in the region. “We are obliged to inform the Congolese people and the international community of the successive violations of the ceasefire, which are hindering the principle agreement,” Nangaa declared.
The accusations come just weeks after Congo and the rebel coalition, under a mediation effort hosted by Qatar, signed a declaration of principles on July 19. The agreement committed both sides to begin negotiations no later than August 8, with a final deal expected by August 18. However, both deadlines passed without progress.
Fighting in eastern Congo has intensified sharply this year, with the M23 offensive capturing the two largest cities in the conflict zone. Nangaa accused government forces and allied militias of launching fresh attacks in South Kivu, further eroding trust between the parties.
The Congolese government did not immediately respond to the allegations. Still, President Tshisekedi has recently taken a hard line, telling supporters on Saturday that dialogue would only take place with “Congolese who want to rebuild their country and emerge from the crisis,” a remark seen as dismissive of armed groups.
Nangaa urged international actors including Qatari mediators, the African Union, and the United Nations to pressure Kinshasa to honour its commitments. He also warned that the rebels would deliver an “appropriate response” to any new attacks by government forces.
The DRC’s mineral-rich east has long been plagued by violence involving armed groups, regional rivalries, and disputes over resources. The failure of the latest peace effort highlights the difficulty of reconciling competing interests, even as millions of civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
With deadlines missed and fighting still ongoing, hopes for a breakthrough remain dim unless fresh diplomatic pressure succeeds in bringing both sides back to the negotiating table.
