In a statement released on Thursday, AFC/M23 expressed “profound concern” over what it described as deliberate attacks by the Kinshasa regime, singling out the occupation of Walikale town by coalition forces as a breach of goodwill and a direct violation of the truce.

According to the rebel group, forces affiliated with the DRC government, including the FARDC, FDLR, Mai-Mai/Wazalendo militia, and Burundi’s National Defense Forces, looted Walikale after AFC/M23 repositioned its troops as a gesture of commitment to the ceasefire.

“This occupation was not only an act of aggression but a betrayal of our efforts to de-escalate the situation,” the statement read.

The rebel alliance added that heavy attacks were also launched in other areas of North and South Kivu, including Masisi, Walungu, and surrounding regions.

The communiqué further alleged a targeted campaign against Banyamulenge civilians in Minembwe, reporting that between April 8 and 10, coordinated attacks from areas known as “Point Zero” and “Bilalombili” endangered the local population in Mikenke.

“These were not random skirmishes,” AFC/M23 claimed, describing them as attacks “of genocidal character” allegedly launched from Rugezi and involving mass destruction, looting, and violence against unarmed civilians in areas such as Kivumu and Gahwera.

Despite these accusations, the group reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict, stating that it remains determined to “protect civilians and neutralise any threat at its source.”

AFC/M23, which controls large swathes of eastern DRC, announced last month that it would withdraw from the town of Walikale to facilitate the implementation of a ceasefire aimed at paving the way for direct talks with President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration.

Direct talks between the two sides, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, were postponed indefinitely amid rebel pressure for Kinshasa to agree to six preconditions before any meaningful negotiations could proceed.

The demands include a public declaration from President Tshisekedi affirming his commitment to direct talks, the repeal of restrictive parliamentary resolutions, the cancellation of death sentences and arrest warrants for AFC/M23 leaders, the release of alleged sympathisers detained based on ethnicity or association, and an end to hate speech and discriminatory practices targeting Swahili and Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

The rebels also insist on a formal bilateral ceasefire agreement being signed before any negotiations proceed.

AFC/M23, which controls large swathes of eastern DRC, announced last month that it would withdraw from the town of Walikale to facilitate the implementation of a ceasefire aimed at paving the way for direct talks with President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration.