President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, alleged that former leader Joseph Kabila is supporting a coalition of rebel groups that the United States has sanctioned during an interview with a private radio station on Tuesday.
Tshisekedi claimed, “Joseph Kabila boycotted the election and is preparing an insurrection because he is the AFC,” in reference to the Alliance Fleuve Congo, a political-military movement formed in December to unify armed groups, political parties, and civil society against Congo’s government.
He did not present any evidence to substantiate his accusation.
Tshisekedi, along with US and UN experts, accuses neighbouring Rwanda of backing M23 militarily. Despite Rwanda denying the claim, it admitted in February to having troops and missile systems in eastern Congo for its security.
Congo and Rwanda recently agreed to a ceasefire mediated by Angola, starting on Sunday.
The eastern region of Congo has grappled with armed conflict as over 120 factions vie for control, territory, and valuable mineral assets, with some groups also aiming to protect their communities.
The violence centred in the eastern province of North Kivu has led to not only indiscriminate killings but also instances of sexual violence.
According to a report by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) released on Tuesday, more than 10% of women residing in displaced persons camps in the area disclosed incidents of rape between November 2023 and April 2024.
