The March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels have accused the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and its coalition partners of fresh ceasefire violations.
On Wednesday, M23/AFC rebels agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during ongoing peace talks in Switzerland.
The negotiations, which were previously held in Doha, Qatar, were relocated due to the escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
Under the MoU, the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) allows the rebel movement to deploy its own officers within the ceasefire verification and monitoring framework, in collaboration with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), alongside a cessation of hostilities.
However, on Thursday at around midday, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka issued a statement accusing the Kinshasa government of once again demonstrating cynicism and flagrant contempt for its commitments.
Kanyuka alleges that on the night of Wednesday, April 15, 2026, between 8:15 p.m. and 11:45 p.m., government-allied forces deliberately bombed Kalingi, Rugezi, and surrounding areas in South Kivu province using combat drones, causing civilian deaths and destruction of homes.
Kanyuka also says the latest act of aggression illustrates what he described as the duplicity of a government that signs agreements it does not intend to honor.
He adds that AFC/M23 remains committed to protecting civilian populations and pursuing a political solution, despite what it sees as a war being imposed upon it.FARDC had not issued an official response to the allegations by press time.
The peace talks in Switzerland are expected to conclude on Friday.The M23/AFC group, which re-emerged in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, has remained engaged in conflict with government forces.
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, allegations denied by both Kigali and M23/AFC leaders.
The rebel group maintains that its struggle is aimed at addressing corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC leadership.
In early 2025, it launched a rapid offensive in eastern Congo, capturing several strategic towns and heightening fears of a wider regional conflict. URN