DRC Government and AFC/M23 Trade Accusations Over Ceasefire Violations

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 alliance are accusing each other of violating the ceasefire in several areas of North Kivu and South Kivu, escalating tensions in the conflict-hit eastern region.

On November 22, 2025, DRC military spokesman Gen. Maj. Sylvain Ekenge told reporters that the AFC/M23 continues to launch attacks despite the ceasefire agreement. He called on the Government of Qatar and the United States-both guarantors of the deal-to take action against the rebel coalition.

“Every day, the AFC/M23 alliance continues to carry out attacks on our positions, violating the ceasefire,” said Gen. Maj. Ekenge.

His statement came after a DRC Sukhoi fighter jet conducted airstrikes on November 21 in Mikenke and Rwitsankuku in South Kivu, and in Kibanda, located in Masisi territory in North Kivu.

By the morning of November 22, the FARDC, supported by Wazalendo militia groups, had resumed heavy fighting with AFC/M23 fighters in Kibanda and Katoi, both in Masisi.

In response, AFC/M23 Permanent Secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa rejected the allegations, insisting that government forces-not the alliance-were responsible for breaking the truce.

“AFC/M23 is not the one violating the ceasefire, nor is it to blame for the consequences that follow,” he said, adding that the FARDC claims “it has a duty to restore calm by all means,” while the alliance is equally entitled to “defend itself.”

The renewed clashes violate the ceasefire agreement signed by both parties with the mediation of the State of Qatar. The deal included the creation of a monitoring mechanism, expected to include representatives from the DRC, AFC/M23, Qatar, the United States, and the African Union (AU). However, this body has not yet begun its work, contributing to growing uncertainty around the agreement's implementation.