AFC/M23 claims that four “compatriots” were killed by Congolese forces
The AFC/M23 rebel movement has alleged that Congolese government forces killed four of its members, characterizing the act as a display of “warlike intentions,” even amidst ongoing peace efforts, including discussions in Doha, Qatar.
On Tuesday, July 15, rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated that Congolese government troops “assassinated” four members of the AFC/M23 in South Kivu Province.
“On July 12, 2025, these forces took the lives of four of our compatriots from the Cirunga grouping.” Kanyuka stated in a post on X, “These actions clearly illustrate this regime’s lack of interest in the ongoing discussions and its aggressive intentions.”
The allegation arises merely days following the declaration of a fresh series of peace negotiations between AFC/M23 and Kinshasa, taking place in Doha, Qatar.
The Doha discussions are intended to enhance the peace agreement reached on June 17 between the governments of Rwanda and DR Congo in Washington.
In spite of the international and regional initiatives, AFC/M23 asserts that the measures taken by the Congolese government demonstrate a lack of dedication to peace. The rebel group pointed out multiple violations, including the bombing of a humanitarian aid plane in South Kivu that was transporting food and medical supplies to civilians soon after the signing of the Washington peace deal.
The rebels attributed the “barbaric” attack to a coalition comprising Congolese government forces and allied militias, which included the Burundian army (FNDB), the Rwandan genocidal militia, FDLR, and the Congolese Wazalendo militia.
AFC/M23 reiterated its dedication to achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern DR Congo, while accusing the Congolese government of hindering the Doha talks by not implementing necessary confidence-building measures.
The rebels expressed that they are awaiting Kinshasa to implement trust-building measures, which are crucial for enabling meaningful dialogue.
Kanyuka cautioned against the ongoing deployment of government troops equipped with heavy weaponry close to AFC/M23 positions, alleging that Kinshasa is orchestrating massacres via its coalition forces.
