M23 accuses DRC Government of violating ceasefire
The M23 rebel group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, has accused the Congolese armed forces coalition of breaching a ceasefire that was set to begin on August 4, 2024.
This ceasefire was based on an agreement made by ministers from Rwanda, DRC, and Angola during a meeting in Luanda on July 30, 2024, where the parties were urged to halt hostilities as peace talks continued.
Kanyuka expressed serious concern over the repeated violations by the DRC military coalition, citing recent attacks on populated areas and M23 positions in Bwito and Masisi.
He stated, “The Kinshasa government coalition forces attacked civilians in heavily populated areas and our positions in Bwito and Masisi.”
On November 7, 2024, renewed clashes were reported in areas like Kibumba in Nyiragongo territory and Mpeti in Walikale. However, the fighting ceased after M23 forces pushed back.
This alert from Kanyuka follows the establishment, on November 5, 2024, of an updated monitoring body by the foreign ministers of Rwanda, DRC, and Angola to oversee efforts, including the ceasefire, among the conflicting parties.
This monitoring group includes 18 Angolan military officers, alongside three from Rwanda and three from the DRC, appointed by Angolan President João Lourenço.