Reports from the Congolese army reveal that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has mobilized approximately 60,000 soldiers in a bid to retake Goma and Bukavu, cities that have been under M23 rebel control for nearly six months.
Despite having recently signed a peace agreement with Rwanda, Kinshasa is ramping up military preparations, including the deployment of Burundian troops and heavy weaponry.
The Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes M23, strongly condemned this military buildup, calling it a “violent campaign” that endangers civilians.
AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated that the continued mobilization of troops by the Congolese government is an insult to ongoing peace talks.
He added, “What’s worse is that Burundian forces, allied with the DRC, are now openly pointing heavy weapons at densely populated civilian areas. This goes beyond a crime—it is a crime against humanity.”
Although the Congolese government has not officially confirmed the number of troops deployed, military sources say this is the largest mobilization since 2013, when Congolese forces and MONUSCO jointly targeted M23.
Government officials claim the operation is essential to regain control over Goma, Bukavu, and other territories held by M23 since late 2021.
Tensions are rising amid fears of renewed conflict, just a week after the Rwanda–DRC peace agreement was signed, which included a commitment to immediate negotiations with M23.
However, trust between the two sides remains low, raising concerns that the agreement may fail to materialize.
President Paul Kagame recently affirmed Rwanda’s commitment to the deal but warned that if the other party acts in bad faith, Rwanda would resolve the matter “as we did before.”
He concluded, “We have a plan, we are honest, and we intend to implement everything we’ve agreed on to finally resolve this issue.”
