DR Congo Army Accuses M23, Rwanda of Violating Ceasefire, Vows Response if Offenses Continue
14:45 09.11.2024 (Updated: 14:53 11.11.2024)
© AP Photo / Jerome Delay
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The March 23 Movement was created in 2012 by deserters from the Congolese army. The M23 began fighting in eastern DRC in January 2021. They later managed to capture several towns and villages in North Kivu. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, which Kigali denies.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo accused militants from the Movement of March 23 (M23) group and the army of neighboring Rwanda of repeatedly violating the ceasefire, but said Congolese troops would respect it, according to the Armed Forces of the DRC communique.
"We are gravely concerned about the ongoing ceasefire violations by M23 rebels and the Rwandan army units that support them. M23 fighters have recently attacked positions of Congolese forces on several occasions. However, we will continue to respect and abide by the ceasefire agreement. But if violations by M23 continue, we will respond in a measured but decisive manner, using all available forces," the Armed Forces of the DRC stated.
The agreement to impose a ceasefire in North Kivu province in eastern DRC was reached between the Congolese and Rwandan governments, but also imposes obligations on the M23. It came into force on August 4 this year.
