FARDC Accuses AFC/M23 of Burning Houses Ahead of Ceasefire

Fizi-Uvira February 14, 2026 - Four days before the scheduled ceasefire between the Congolese government and the M23, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) accused the AFC/M23-RDF coalition of burning civilian homes on February 11 in the Rusankuku area of the Fizi-Uvira highlands, citing a military statement. The statement, signed by acting spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mongba Hazukay Mak, described the actions as “serious violations of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.” According to the FARDC, the operation was intended to punish local populations who refused to comply with the rebels’ demands. The army condemned the acts as terrorist attacks, emphasizing that they demonstrate the cruelty and determination of the Rwandan army and its proxies to undermine the ongoing peace process. This comes as Kinshasa announced acceptance of an Angolan ceasefire proposal, set to take effect at noon on February 18, 2026. The Presidency emphasized that this decision reflects responsibility, appeasement, and the search for a peaceful solution, while commending Angola for its efforts toward a lasting return to peace in the Great Lakes region. The ceasefire falls under the monitoring and verification mechanism signed in Doha on October 14, 2025, which stipulates: Immediate freeze on military positions Halt to all reinforcements and offensive rotations No modification of the status quo on the ground End of external support for armed groups Protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law Kinshasa warned that any unilateral military consolidation during the ceasefire would seriously undermine the credibility of the process. The Angolan proposal followed a Luanda meeting involving Angolan President João Lourenço, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé (AU mediator), and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, designated by the AU as facilitator. This diplomatic momentum was preceded by a high-level meeting in Lomé on January 17, 2026, which defined the AU mediation structure for the DRC peace process, led by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, supported by five co-facilitators and a joint secretariat. For its part, the AFC/M23 confirmed readiness to implement the Doha mechanism in good faith, but political coordinator Corneille Nangaa criticized Kinshasa for a “strategy of diplomatic fragmentation”, calling the government’s ceasefire acceptance a public relations maneuver. He also accused the authorities of continuing belligerent acts, including offensives on populated areas, the use of mercenaries, and indiscriminate bombings affecting civilians.