The March 23 Movement -M23 and Alliance Fleuve Congo -AFC rebels have warned they could advance toward the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, if the Democratic Republic of Congo -DRC army continues to violate the recently signed ceasefire agreements.
Earlier this month, the DRC government and the M23/AFC coalition signed the Ceasefire Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, a key step in implementing the peace process in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the country.
Facilitated by Qatar, the agreement was signed in the presence of representatives from the DRC government, M23/AFC, and observers from Qatar, the United States, the African Union, the ICGLR (through the MCVE), and MONUSCO.
The mechanism assigns the International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC the role of a neutral intermediary for identifying and releasing detainees, a major point of contention during negotiations. It also provides for the creation of specific actors and procedures to verify the ceasefire, though details of these measures have not yet been made public. The agreement aims to ensure effective monitoring of the pause in hostilities in a region long plagued by instability.
However, just days after the signing, theM23/AFC have warned they could advance toward the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, if the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army continues to violate the recently signed ceasefire agreements.
Speaking to journalists at the Serena Hotel in Goma, North Kivu Province, on Thursday evening, M23–AFC leaders Bertrand Bisimwa and Corneille Nangaa accused the Congolese army of repeatedly attacking rebel positions and densely populated areas in North and South Kivu, despite the ceasefire.
Bisimwa and Nangaa described the government’s actions as provocations and sabotage of the peace process, warning that if Kinshasa continues to undermine the agreement, M23 will resume its march toward the capital.
They added that the group would not heed any future appeals to halt their advance.
The rebel leaders also alleged that last week, government forces cut off supply routes for essential goods to Minembwe, particularly affecting the Tutsi (Banyamulenge) community.
According to the M23–AFC, CH-4 drones bombed Peti and surrounding areas on October 20, 2025, destroying a key bridge and launching ground attacks on rebel positions in Lumbishi (Kalehe Territory) and Kaseke (Masisi Territory).
On October 21, drone strikes reportedly hit civilian zones and M23–AFC military positions in Nyarushamba and Bigwe (Masisi Territory). The following day, drones from Kisangani allegedly bombed villages in Kashebere, killing several civilians. On October 23, facilities belonging to a major private company in Twangiza (South Kivu) were reportedly destroyed, along with several nearby homes.
Nangaa and Bisimwa declared that M23–AFC is “ready to respond swiftly using methods of our own choosing.”They added that the group won’t heed any future appeals to halt their advance.
The DRC government has not yet issued a response to the rebels’ statements.
Currently, M23 rebels are reported to control large parts of North and South Kivu provinces, including Goma and Bukavu cities, as well as Goma International Airport and Kavumu Airport.
Since the M23 insurgency resumed in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, the DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the group, allegations both Rwanda and M23 deny. The rebels maintain that their struggle is aimed at combating corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Congolese leadership.
Currently, M23 rebels are reported to control large parts of North and South Kivu provinces, including Goma and Bukavu cities, as well as Goma International Airport and Kavumu Airport.
Since the M23 insurgency resumed in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, the DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the group, allegations both Rwanda and M23 deny. The rebels maintain that their struggle is aimed at combating corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Congolese leadership.
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