The Government of Rwanda has once again rejected accusations of violating ceasefire agreements, amid ongoing conflict in South Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda stated that it should not be held responsible for escalating hostilities and ceasefire breaches in the region.Rwanda strongly condemned the actions of the Congolese army (FARDC), Burundian troops (FDNB), and their allies, including the genocidal terrorist group FDLR, the Wazalendo militia, and foreign mercenaries. These groups have reportedly continued launching attacks targeting civilians near the Rwandan border using drones and warplanes.
The Rwandan government also revealed that Burundi has deployed over 20,000 troops into South Kivu to support the DRC government. These forces have reportedly encircled villages inhabited by the Banyamulenge community in Minembwe, allegedly attempting to starve them deliberately.
Rwanda emphasized that it should not be blamed for ceasefire violations, especially as the DRC has publicly declared its unwillingness to honor the ceasefire agreements. Instead, the Congolese government continues military operations to retake areas under the control of AFC/M23, despite ongoing peace negotiations.
A statement issued on Wednesday indicated that international actors were informed of these developments and had access to clear evidence. However, despite months of planning and visible signs of impending attacks by the DRC, the international community has failed to intervene or call for the offensive to stop.
Rwanda noted that the DRC’s refusal to disarm the FDLR as stipulated in the June 2025 peace agreement remains a major obstacle to lasting peace in Eastern DRC, undermining the objectives of the Washington Agreement.
Rwanda views these repeated breaches of the newly established agreements as significant threats to regional peace, contributing to ongoing suffering among civilians in Eastern DRC and endangering security along Rwanda’s western border.
The Rwandan government concluded by stressing the importance of fully implementing the Washington Agreement and finalizing the Doha addendum yet to be signed by the DRC and AFC/M23 as the only viable and credible path toward peace, security, and sustainable development in the Great Lakes Region.
