(MENAFN) The military of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 insurgents have traded accusations of breaching a delicate ceasefire, just 48 hours before a peace accord is scheduled to be signed in Washington.

The Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) reported on Tuesday that M23 fighters and their allied factions had attacked its positions in Kaziba, Katogota, and Lubarika.

Army spokesman Major General Sylvain Ekenge stated that the incidents “clearly show the coalition’s intention to sabotage the Washington and Doha peace agreements.”

Corneille Nangaa, head of the rebel Congo River Alliance (AFC), which encompasses M23, issued a rebuttal on X, blaming Congolese and Burundian forces along with other regional partners for launching their own offensive earlier in the day.

He emphasized that the insurgent group “has no choice but to defend itself and protect civilian populations” in reaction to what he described as a “violation of the ceasefire.”

These latest claims emerge after both sides signed a framework accord in November, pledging to uphold the ceasefire and pursue a conclusive settlement.

Efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire have historically faltered. In July, Congolese authorities and the AFC endorsed a declaration in Doha, agreeing to finalize a peace arrangement by August 18.

The deadline passed without tangible results, with each faction accusing the other of breaking the agreement.

Moreover, the DRC inked a pact with Rwanda in June, mediated by the US and Qatar, aimed at resolving the decades-long conflict. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and exploiting illegal mining operations in the DRC—claims that Kigali denies.

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