AFC/M23 Denounces Kinshasa’s “Diplomatic Fragmentation” Despite Angolan Ceasefire

February 14, 2026 - Following renewed calls for a ceasefire, the AFC/M23 rebellion reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the mechanism agreed upon in the Doha peace process. In a statement released on Friday, February 13, political coordinator Corneille Nangaa emphasized that this stance reflects a sense of political responsibility and a desire for a negotiated, lasting, and inclusive settlement of the conflict. “However, the AFC/M23 denounces the strategy of diplomatic fragmentation employed by the illegitimate and corrupt regime in Kinshasa, characterized by the proliferation of parallel frameworks and initiatives outside a centralized and consensual process. Such an approach compromises mediation efforts, weakens credibility, and risks delaying a serious political settlement,” Nangaa stated. He also accused the Kinshasa government of continuing belligerent acts, including offensives against populated areas, use of mercenaries, and indiscriminate bombings, despite its public support for the ceasefire. Nangaa described the government’s acceptance of the ceasefire principle as a public relations maneuver, aimed at deceiving national and international opinion while continuing a militaristic strategy. This statement follows an Angolan ceasefire proposal, announced after a meeting in Luanda with Angolan President João Lourenço, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé (AU mediator), and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, representing AU-designated facilitators for the DRC peace process. The diplomatic momentum was preceded by a high-level meeting in Lomé, Togo, on January 17, 2026, aimed at consolidating the peace process in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. Initiated by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, AU lead mediator for eastern DRC, the meeting reinforced coordination with the United States and Qatar to encourage parties to honor their commitments. Following Lomé, the African Union outlined its mediation structure, under Gnassingbé’s authority, supported by five co-facilitators with specific responsibilities and a joint secretariat comprising the AU and regional organizations, tasked with steering the peace process in eastern DRC.

Faits rapportés

February 14, 2026 - Following renewed calls for a ceasefire, the AFC/M23 rebellion reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the mechanism agreed upon in the Doha peace process. In a statement released on Friday, February 13, political coordinator Corneille Nangaa emphasized that this stance reflects a sense of political responsibility and a desire for a negotiated, lasting, and inclusive settlement of the conflict. “However, the AFC/M23 denounces the strategy of diplomatic fragmentation employed by the illegitimate and corrupt regime in Kinshasa, characterized by the proliferation of parallel frameworks and initiatives outside a centralized and consensual process. Such an approach compromises mediation efforts, weakens credibility, and risks delaying a serious political settlement,” Nangaa stated. He also accused the Kinshasa government of continuing belligerent acts, including offensives against populated areas, use of mercenaries, and indiscriminate bombings, despite its public support for the ceasefire. Nangaa described the government’s acceptance of the ceasefire principle as a public relations maneuver, aimed at deceiving national and international opinion while continuing a militaristic strategy. This statement follows an Angolan ceasefire proposal, announced after a meeting in Luanda with Angolan President João Lourenço, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé (AU mediator), and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, representing AU-designated facilitators for the DRC peace process. The diplomatic momentum was preceded by a high-level meeting in Lomé, Togo, on January 17, 2026, aimed at consolidating the peace process in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. Initiated by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, AU lead mediator for eastern DRC, the meeting reinforced coordination with the United States and Qatar to encourage parties to honor their commitments. Following Lomé, the African Union outlined its mediation structure, under Gnassingbé’s authority, supported by five co-facilitators with specific responsibilities and a joint secretariat comprising the AU and regional organizations, tasked with steering the peace process in eastern DRC.