DR Congo President Accuses Rwanda of Breaching Ceasefire Agreement. Kinshasa, DR Congo — DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of violating a freshly signed ceasefire agreement within a mere 24 hours, according to official statements.
In a parliament address on Monday, Tshisekedi alleged that Rwandan Defense Forces conducted heavy weapons attacks in South Kivu, causing significant human and material damage.
Dozens of armed groups are competing for control in the mineral — rich eastern DRC, which borders Rwanda.
The M23 rebel group, a significant actor in the region, receives support from the Rwandan government. Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame inked a US-brokered peace deal in June, followed by a trip to Washington to finalize the agreement last week.
“The very next day after the signing, units of the Rwandan Defense Forces conducted and supported heavy weapons attacks launched from the Rwandan town of Bugarama, causing heavy human and material damage, in particular in the localities of Kaziba, Katogota, and Lubarika, in South Kivu, thereby breaking the ceasefire,” Tshisekedi told parliament.
Over the weekend, thousands of people in South Kivu were forced to flee their homes due to escalating fighting.
The M23 rebels and Congolese forces have frequently accused each other of breaching the ceasefire terms agreed earlier this year.
UN experts estimate that about 4,000 Rwandan troops support the rebels. Regional officials confirmed the ongoing tensions and the allegations of ceasefire violations.
Further details about the extent of the damage and the response from Rwandan authorities are not immediately available.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalations in the region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
