Fresh claims of ceasefire breaches surfaced on Tuesday between the Republic of Congo’s military and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, just two days before leaders are expected at the White House for the signing of a peace accord aimed at ending violence in the country’s east.
The United States and Qatar have been key mediators in ongoing discussions to restore calm in North and South Kivu, regions where clashes have driven hundreds of thousands from their homes. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting M23, a group that insists it is acting to defend Tutsi populations in eastern Congo.
Both sides traded accusations of trying to undermine the proposed agreements, pointing fingers over new attacks in South Kivu.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) reported that its soldiers came under fire in Kaziba, Katogota and Lubarika from M23 fighters and their allied groups.
“These attacks highlight an effort to derail the Washington and Doha peace efforts,” FARDC spokesman Major General Sylvain Ekenge said.
Corneille Nangaa, head of a rebel alliance that includes M23, responded on X, alleging that Congolese forces along with Burundian troops and other partners launched assaults earlier the same day.
He stated that due to what he called a ceasefire breach under the Doha agreement, the alliance is compelled to defend itself and protect civilians. M23 leaders and alliance representatives echoed similar accusations on X.
U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to host Rwanda and DRC leaders on Thursday for the signing of a peace deal. Earlier this year, M23 made rapid territorial gains in eastern Congo, taking control of two major cities and heightening fears of a broader conflict
