Eastern DRC: afc/m23 denounces perceived international complicity amid Kinshasa’s ‘sabotage’ of peace efforts

The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), through its political coordinator Corneille Nangaa, vehemently criticized what it described as the “irresponsible” and “bellicose” rhetoric of President Félix Tshisekedi. This condemnation followed a speech delivered by the Congolese head of state in Houston, United States, to a segment of the Congolese diaspora after a World Cup match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Portugal. In his address, President Tshisekedi had notably commented on the security situation in the eastern part of the country, vowing an imminent recapture of territories currently under the control of the politico-military movement.

During a statement issued on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Goma, the provincial capital of Nord-Kivu, Corneille Nangaa reiterated his movement’s resolve to defend itself against threats emanating from Kinshasa. He expressed profound bewilderment at the international community’s stance regarding Félix Tshisekedi’s actions. According to Nangaa, this apparent inaction borders on complicity, especially considering that the international community is reportedly well-informed about the ongoing situation on the ground, where government forces are conducting intense attacks in blatant disregard of agreed-upon commitments and existing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

“In the face of this tragic situation and the ensuing calamities, we bear the responsibility, before God, History, and the Nation, to acknowledge this deafening silence from the mediation and peace process partners, which verges on complicity. This is particularly concerning given that the international community possesses detailed information regarding the realities on the ground, the extensive civilian casualties, and the perpetrators of these crimes,” Corneille Nangaa asserted with strong disapproval.

He further elaborated:

“The mediators of the Doha peace talks, diplomatic missions, international agencies, and human rights organizations are fully aware of the continuous deterioration of the security and humanitarian conditions across the region in general, and specifically within the Hauts-Plateaux of Minembwe. This lack of decisive action only serves to strengthen the perception of impunity and encourages the perpetuation of violence.”

Mr. Nangaa additionally denounced what he perceives as a tendency to downplay the severity of the security crisis in eastern DRC. He claimed that Félix Tshisekedi consistently undermines peace initiatives, seemingly under the helpless gaze of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s international partners.

“We reject the notion that the suffering of the populations in eastern Congo should be treated as a peripheral tragedy occurring, as they frequently state, over 2,000 kilometers from Kinshasa. Every human life merits equal protection and consideration. We draw everyone’s attention to the numerous obstacles, deceptions, manipulations, evasions, and intrigues on the part of Mr. Félix Tshisekedi and his international partners, which continue to gravely jeopardize peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the political coordinator of the politico-military movement lamented.

He continued:

“The reinforcement of military apparatus and the continuous deployment of new forces on the ground are antithetical to a sincere de-escalation process. Numerous commitments made within the framework of the peace process remain unfulfilled. While several hundred prisoners of war have been released by the AFC/M23 as a confidence-building measure, the reciprocal commitments expected from the Kinshasa regime have seen no implementation.”

This latest verbal confrontation between Kinshasa, represented by Félix Tshisekedi, and the AFC/M23 rebellion, reportedly backed by Rwanda, unfolds amidst ongoing diplomatic endeavors. These initiatives, including the Washington accords and the Doha process, aim to establish a lasting ceasefire and reignite dialogue among the parties involved in the protracted conflict plaguing the eastern DRC. However, these efforts have yet to yield tangible results on the ground, where hostilities persist between the rebel group and government forces.

In light of this persistent situation, calls continue to resound at national, regional, and international levels, urging all stakeholders to honor the commitments made under various peace initiatives. Nevertheless, these appeals have, to date, failed to produce any significant impact. The objective of bridging the persistent gap between on-the-ground realities and the diplomatic progress achieved on paper struggles to materialize. Each party, in essence, continues to interpret the provisions of the agreements according to its own understanding, rendering their implementation increasingly uncertain.