DR Congo Army Accuses M23, Rwanda of Attacks During Switzerland Talks

(MENAFN) The Congolese armed forces have accused the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, along with the Rwandan military, of launching attacks on their positions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo while peace negotiations were underway in Switzerland.

According to reports, the latest round of talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group—mediated by Qatar—concluded on Friday in Switzerland after being moved from Doha due to the wider conflict in the Middle East.

At the end of those discussions, both sides reportedly agreed on a set of initial steps, including the release of prisoners within 10 days and measures to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, according to a joint statement.

However, the situation on the ground deteriorated shortly afterward. The Congolese army said that on Saturday evening, M23 fighters and allied forces carried out drone strikes targeting its positions in the Mikenge and Kakenge areas of South Kivu, as well as nearby civilian zones in an area known as Point Zero.

“The provisional toll indicates that four civilians were killed and eight others injured, mostly women and children,” the military statement said.

There was no immediate response from Rwanda regarding the allegations. Meanwhile, both the Congolese government and M23 have repeatedly accused each other of violating ceasefire arrangements proposed earlier this year through regional mediation efforts.

In a counterclaim shared on the social media platform X, an M23 spokesperson said Congolese forces had instead shelled areas in Masisi territory using a CH-4 drone, alleging that the attacks caused damage and put civilians at risk.

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