Goma — The Congo River Alliance, also known as AFC/M23, has accused the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of violating a recently declared unilateral ceasefire, alleging continued military attacks against its positions and civilian areas in eastern Congo.
In a statement released on Friday by Lawrence Kanyuka, the group’s spokesperson, the AFC/M23 said it had declared a ceasefire “in a spirit of responsibility” to give peace efforts a genuine chance, but claimed the Kinshasa government had responded with renewed military action.
“The Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) informs national and international public opinion that it has declared a unilateral ceasefire, in a spirit of responsibility and in order to offer a real chance for the return of peace,” the statement said.
However, the group alleged that government forces and their allies continued what it described as “systematic attacks” against both combat positions and civilian populations, actions it said amounted to violations of ceasefire commitments.
According to the statement, on Friday, December 19, 2025, coalition forces aligned with the Congolese government launched a series of early-morning attacks.
“From 5:00 a.m., these coalition forces launched attacks using kamikaze drones and naval forces, targeting densely populated areas as well as our positions at Makobola, originating from Baraka,” the statement read.
It further claimed that about 30 minutes later, another attack targeted Minembwe. “At 5:30 a.m., the same forces attacked Minembwe using drones and heavy artillery, sowing terror among the civilian population,” AFC/M23 said.
The group called on Congolese citizens and the international community to take note of what it termed “repeated and deliberate violations” of the ceasefire and the continued killing of civilians.
“These acts demonstrate unequivocally that the Kinshasa regime seeks neither peace nor the protection of civilians, but persists in perpetuating violence and impunity,” the statement added.
The Congolese government had not immediately responded to the allegations at the time of publication. Independent verification of the claims was not possible.
Eastern DRC has for years been plagued by conflict involving multiple armed groups, government forces and regional actors, despite repeated ceasefire declarations and diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring stability and protecting civilians.
