DRC launches attacks on civilians hours after signing peace deal with AFC/M23

By The Inspirer.

On Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) reportedly launched airstrikes on civilian-populated areas and positions held by the Alliance Forces Coalition (AFC/M23) in North and South Kivu provinces, just hours after signing a ceasefire agreement in Doha, Qatar.

In a statement released by AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the group accused the Congolese army of violating the newly signed peace accord, claiming that a Sukhoi-25 fighter jet was used in the attacks, alongside ground offensives in areas such as Kadasomwa, Lumbishi, and Kasake.

“The latest aggression clearly shows the world that Kinshasa has deliberately chosen to ignore the peace agreement,” the statement read.

Kanyuka called on the international community and peace partners to closely monitor the situation, warning that civilians continue to suffer as a result of the attacks. He emphasized that the strikes appear to target residential areas, endangering the lives of innocent people.

The AFC/M23 also appealed to the African Union (AU), Qatar, the United States, and other peace stakeholders not to turn a blind eye to Kinshasa’s actions, reaffirming the group’s commitment to defend civilians “by all necessary means.”

The escalation comes shortly after delegates from both the DRC government and the AFC/M23 agreed to establish a joint monitoring mechanism to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire in North and South Kivu provinces.

The peace talks, which began on October 13, 2025, in Doha, were seen as a significant step forward in the fifth round of negotiations between the two sides. However, the renewed fighting has cast doubt on the sincerity and durability of the agreement.

Following the talks, Kanyuka had expressed optimism that the DRC government would halt attacks on civilians in line with the accord—an expectation now undermined by the latest military operations.