AFC/M23 Questions U.S. Neutrality in DRC Peace Mediation

Kinshasa, May 10, 2026 - The AFC/M23 coalition has formally raised concerns over what it describes as bias in the ongoing international mediation process in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In correspondence dated May 7, 2026, Corneille Nangaa, political coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/M23 (AFC/M23), criticized the conduct of the peace talks facilitated by the United States alongside Qatar and Togo.

The group accuses the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo of failing to implement commitments made during the Montreux negotiations in April 2026, including the planned release of 317 detainees within ten days.

The AFC/M23 also alleges continued drone strikes and air operations targeting areas under its control, as well as attempted assassinations against its leadership.

Beyond these claims, the movement questions the impartiality of U.S. mediation efforts, arguing that Washington’s engagement with Kinshasa has created an imbalance in the peace process, particularly following recent agreements on critical mineral resources between the two governments.

The group further asserts that its own steps toward de-escalation include withdrawals from several territories, the release of detainees, and cooperation on humanitarian arrangements involving the International Committee of the Red Cross.

However, it claims that the security situation in areas such as Uvira has worsened following its withdrawals, attributing this deterioration to the presence of government-aligned forces and allied armed groups.

The letter was also copied to regional and international mediators, including African Union representatives, Qatari officials, Swiss facilitators, and U.S. special advisors involved in the peace process.