The United States has strongly condemned the ceasefire violations committed by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), following their seizure of the strategic town of Masisi over the weekend.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller criticised the rebel group’s actions, stating that their advance undermines ongoing efforts to secure peace in the region and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis by displacing civilians. Miller urged M23 to immediately cease hostilities and abide by the ceasefire.
The M23 militia, which has gained significant ground in eastern DRC since 2021, has been widely accused of receiving support from Rwanda, a claim Kigali denies. Miller reiterated the US’s call for Rwanda to withdraw all Rwanda Defense Force personnel and equipment from DR Congo.
A fragile ceasefire signed in August had briefly calmed hostilities, but tensions have escalated since late October. Talks mediated by Angola between DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame broke down in December due to disagreements over the terms of a proposed peace deal.
Masisi, a vital agricultural and mineral-rich hub located about 80 kilometres north of Goma, fell to M23 forces, raising further concerns about regional stability.
Miller emphasised the importance of adhering to the Angola-mediated Luanda Process and called for the immediate implementation of a reinforced verification mechanism to monitor compliance by both parties.
