Tshisekedi Blasts Rwanda for Shattering Truce as Fresh and Devastating Chaos Erupts Now As Seen Across Congo’s Eastern Fronts
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has sharply accused Rwanda of reneging on key commitments under recently negotiated peace accords, issuing the claims on Monday only days after participating in high-level peace discussions in Washington, D.C., aimed at ending decades of bloodshed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His remarks follow a fresh surge of hostilities in the mineral-laden territories of North and South Kivu, long destabilized by insurgent movements and cross-border tensions.
Speaking before Parliament in Kinshasa, Tshisekedi alleged that the Rwanda-supported M23 movement had pushed deeper into Congolese territory, jeopardizing the implementation of agreements facilitated by the United States and Qatar. He did not present direct evidence during his address, and Rwandan officials offered no immediate response.
Renewed Fighting and Civilian Losses
Over the weekend, residents told Reuters that M23 combatants seized control of the village of Luvungi near the Burundian frontier, with video recordings circulating online showing rebel leaders convening in the area. Kigali has consistently denied any links to M23 or involvement in its operations.
The clashes forced segments of the Congolese military to pull back, triggering violent confrontations with local self-defense groups—known as the Wazalendo—in the nearby town of Sange. According to local administrators and humanitarian personnel, Sange was struck on Sunday by explosive munitions, reportedly grenades or bombs, killing up to 36 individuals, including civilians. Among the dead were at least two children. Civil society groups released images of victims in civilian attire, suggesting they were caught in indiscriminate attacks.
Neither the Congolese army nor M23 issued statements in the aftermath, leaving unanswered questions about who launched the explosives that caused the fatalities. Local accounts point to both mortar shells and grenades, though independent verification has yet to be conducted.
Context: Fragile Agreements and Stalled Implementation
Tshisekedi’s accusations surface after months of diplomatic engagement led by the United States and Qatar to stabilize the restive east. In June, Congo, Rwanda, and M23 endorsed a ceasefire and pledged to demobilize armed factions. Last week in Washington, Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame reaffirmed these commitments and adopted additional accords meant to strengthen regional peace and economic collaboration.
Despite these developments, the situation in eastern Congo remains precarious. M23—founded in 2012 and long suspected of receiving external assistance—has repeatedly battled Congolese forces. The area’s immense mineral reserves, including coltan, gold, and tin, have made it a strategic prize for armed groups seeking financial gain and political leverage.
Regional Stakes and Mounting Tensions
The latest violence around Luvungi and Sange has heightened alarm across neighboring states. Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda all grapple with the spillover effects of Congolese conflict, and analysts caution that persistent attacks could ignite wider regional instability. Humanitarian agencies warn that civilians, many of whom have endured multiple cycles of displacement, face increasing risks as fighting expands.
The United States, the African Union, and the United Nations have reiterated calls for restraint and strict respect for signed agreements. Washington has stressed that renewed conflict threatens ongoing efforts to stabilize the Great Lakes region and jeopardizes crucial economic and governance reforms.
Humanitarian Fallout and What Comes Next
Congolese civil society organizations and local authorities are urging the government to strengthen civilian protection and thoroughly investigate the weekend’s deadly strikes. Humanitarian groups are scaling up support for survivors and families of victims while closely monitoring new waves of displacement across North and South Kivu.
Tshisekedi’s forceful remarks suggest the possibility of a diplomatic standoff between Kinshasa and Kigali, coming barely weeks after prominent peace negotiations in Washington. Observers predict that the next phase could involve emergency mediation efforts, the potential deployment of neutral monitoring teams, and intensified international pressure to ensure compliance with the existing peace framework.
Source: Araba Sey