The AFC/M23 rebel coalition has sharply criticized the international community’s inaction regarding what it calls Kinshasa’s deliberate undermining of peace efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Speaking from Goma, the political coordinator of AFC/M23, Corneille Nangaa, condemned President Félix Tshisekedi’s recent statements in Houston, which pledged imminent military reconquest of rebel-held territories.

Nangaa argued that Kinshasa’s aggressive rhetoric and military escalation contradict ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including the Washington and Doha peace processes. He specifically targeted the supposed complicity of peace mediators and international partners, whom he accused of enabling Tshisekedi’s ‘sabotage’ of diplomatic efforts despite possessing detailed information about the deteriorating security situation.

International community’s silence ‘amounts to complicity’

In a June 18 press conference, Nangaa declared: “Faced with this tragic situation and the resulting calamities, we must acknowledge the deafening silence of the mediation team and peace process partners, which borders on complicity. The international community has comprehensive information about the ground reality, massive civilian casualties, and the perpetrators of these crimes.”

He emphasized that despite the AFC/M23’s unilateral release of hundreds of prisoners as a goodwill gesture, Kinshasa has failed to reciprocate with any meaningful de-escalation measures. Nangaa pointed to ongoing military reinforcements and new troop deployments as evidence of Tshisekedi’s commitment to conflict escalation rather than peace.

The coordinator warned that the international community’s passive stance is emboldening perpetrators and fostering impunity in the region, particularly in the Minembwe Highlands. He rejected the notion that eastern DRC’s suffering exists in a ‘peripheral tragedy’ 2,000 kilometers from Kinshasa, stressing that every life deserves equal protection and consideration.

Diplomatic efforts stall as violence escalates

This latest confrontation follows AFC/M23’s accusation that Kinshasa’s actions have rendered existing peace agreements meaningless. The movement claims Tshisekedi and his international partners continue to manipulate peace processes through ‘deception, intrigue, and manipulation,’ while ignoring rebel efforts to maintain diplomatic channels.

Meanwhile, eastern DRC remains trapped in a cycle of violence despite multiple peace initiatives. The AFC/M23’s allegations of diplomatic sabotage coincide with renewed military confrontations between rebel forces and government troops, raising concerns about the sustainability of any peace agreement without genuine commitment from all parties.